Diva Faustina Senior. Died AD 140/1. AR Denarius 18mm, 3.52 g. Rome

Diva Faustina Senior. Died AD 140/1. AR Denarius 18mm, 3.52 g. Rome mint. Struck under Antoninus Pius, circa AD 146/7-161. Draped bust right, wearing pearls bound on top of her head / Ceres standing facing, head left, holding long torch and fold of dress. RIC III 362. Very Fine.

Faustina the Elder was deeply respected during and after her life. As the wife of Antoninus Pius, she was deified shortly after her death in AD 141. Her posthumous coinage is prolific and highly symbolic, featuring deities like Ceres, Aeternitas, and Pietas, highlighting themes of eternity, virtue, and divine status. Faustina’s serene portrait style and richly symbolic reverse types make her coins favorites among collectors.