Although many of the Roman coins depicting women are based on a family relationship with the ruler, women were certainly represented in this media almost 2,000 years ago.
Solidus, a German company, offered seven Faustina I and Faustina’s daughter Faustina 2 coins at an auction in its 82nd auction. It took place June 29.
The gold aureus from Faustina, the Elder and wife of Emperor Antoninus Pius was at the forefront of the offerings.
This coin was struck in A.D. 138-141 and had a Very Fine grade. It achieved a hammer value of EUR3,000 (or $3,578 U.S.), excluding the buyer’s fee, Value Added Tax, and Buyer’s Fee.
According to the firm, the reverse features a draped bust with the empress in a “complicated haircut” and is crowned by a wreath.
The reverse shows a Veiled Juno holding patera (a wide, shallow dish that is used to pour libations) and standing facing her right with a peacock looking up at her.
It is 19 millimeters wide and 7.29 grams in weight. This is about the same size as a Lincoln cent, but three times heavier.
For her daughter, a silver coin
The firm offered silver denarii to Faustina, the younger. One of these was an Almost Extremely Fine example, which achieved a hammer price EUR65 ($77.50).
Faustina, also known as Faustina II by the auction house, was the wife of her maternal cousin Emperor Marcus Aurelius.
She was highly regarded by her husband and soldiers as Augusta and Mater Castrorum (“Mother Of The Camp”), and received divine honors following her death.
This coin, which was struck in Rome around A.D. 161, features a her-draped bust on its obverse.
The reverse depicts two children (twins Commodus & Antoninus) sitting next to one another on a cloth-adorned chair.
The coin is 17 millimeters wide and weighs 2.77g.
