Roman Ancient Faustina Coins: History, Value, and Identification Guide
A Timeless Legacy of Imperial Rome
Introduction to Faustina Coins
The ancient Roman world offers a treasure
trove of history, art, and culture, encapsulated beautifully in its coinage.
Among the most revered and collectible coins from the Roman Empire are those
minted in honor of Faustina the Elder and Faustina the Younger. These Roman
ancient Faustina coins hold historical significance, artistic charm, and
enduring numismatic value. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the
origins, symbolism, varieties, and importance of Faustina coins, making it an
indispensable resource for collectors, historians, and enthusiasts alike.
Who Were Faustina the Elder and Faustina
the Younger?
To understand the significance of Faustina
coins, it's essential to know who these two influential women were in Roman
history.
Faustina the Elder
Faustina the Elder, also known as Annia
Galeria Faustina, was the wife of Emperor Antoninus Pius. Born around 100 AD,
she was revered for her beauty, wisdom, and charitable works. After her death
in 140 AD, Antoninus Pius deified her, leading to the widespread minting of
commemorative coins bearing her image.
Faustina the Younger
Faustina the Younger, or Annia Galeria
Faustina Minor, was the daughter of Faustina the Elder and Antoninus Pius. She
married Marcus Aurelius, one of Rome's most respected emperors. Known for her
political influence and role in the imperial family, she too was commemorated
extensively on Roman coinage, both during her life and posthumously.
Types of Roman Ancient Faustina Coins
Faustina coins are broadly categorized into
two main types:
·
Faustina
the Elder coins
·
Faustina
the Younger coins
Each category features a variety of
denominations, materials, and artistic designs.
Faustina the Elder Coins
After her death, the Roman Senate deified
Faustina the Elder, prompting the minting of "Divus Faustina" coins.
These coins were intended not just as currency but also as propaganda tools to
promote her divine status and the legitimacy of the Antonine dynasty.
Denominations
·
Aureus
(Gold)
·
Denarius
(Silver)
·
Sestertius
(Bronze)
·
Dupondius
and As (Bronze variants)
Common Iconography
·
Obverse: A portrait of Faustina the Elder, often inscribed
with "DIVA FAVSTINA."
·
Reverse: Depictions of goddesses such as Ceres, Vesta, and
Juno; symbols of piety, charity, and fertility; or scenes like Faustina
ascending to the heavens on the back of an eagle (a clear nod to deification).
Faustina the Younger Coins
Faustina the Younger's coinage began during
her marriage to Marcus Aurelius and continued after her death in 175 AD. Unlike
her mother, many of her coins were struck during her lifetime, often depicting
her with their children to promote the imperial family’s stability.
Denominations
·
Aureus
(Gold)
·
Denarius
(Silver)
·
Sestertius,
Dupondius, and As (Bronze)
Common Iconography
·
Obverse: Portraits of Faustina the Younger, typically
inscribed with "FAVSTINA AVGUSTA."
·
Reverse: Images of the goddess Venus, Concordia, and
fertility motifs like children and cornucopia. Many coins also depict Faustina
with their many children, reinforcing the strength of the imperial lineage.
Historical Significance of Faustina Coins
The coins of Faustina the Elder and Younger
offer unique insights into the political and cultural narratives of their
times.
Deification and the Imperial Cult
The deification of Roman emperors and their
family members was a powerful political tool. By portraying Faustina the Elder
as a goddess, Antoninus Pius solidified his reign’s legitimacy and connected
his lineage to the divine.
Female Representation in Roman Coinage
Roman coins often featured emperors and
gods, but the inclusion of imperial women like the Faustinas marked a shift in
Roman coinage. It reflected the growing importance of the empresses and their
roles as symbols of fertility, virtue, and dynastic continuity.
Propaganda and Public Messaging
Coinage was a primary means of disseminating
political messages across the empire. The frequent portrayal of Faustina the
Younger with her children served as a testament to the strength and future of
Marcus Aurelius' dynasty.
Collecting Faustina Coins: What You Need to
Know
Rarity and Value
Faustina coins range from common bronze
issues to rare gold aurei. Their value depends on several factors:
·
Rarity
·
Condition
(grade)
·
Historical
importance
·
Metal
type
·
Artistic
quality
Prices can range from a modest $50 for worn
bronze coins to several thousand dollars for rare gold pieces.
Authentication Tips
With the popularity of Roman coinage,
forgeries are common. When collecting Faustina coins:
·
Buy from
reputable dealers or auction houses.
·
Check for proper
weight, metal content, and style.
·
Use resources
like the Roman Imperial Coinage (RIC) catalog for verification.
Best Practices for Storage and Display
·
Storage: Use acid-free holders or albums to prevent
corrosion.
·
Display: Shadow boxes with historical context enhance
educational value.
·
Conservation: Avoid cleaning ancient coins aggressively; consult
a professional.
Noteworthy Faustina Coins
Divus Faustina with Temple Reverse
One of the most iconic coins of Faustina the
Elder features a temple with her statue inside, symbolizing her divine worship.
Faustina the Younger with Children
These coins depict Faustina surrounded by
children or holding a baby, representing the birth of imperial heirs.
Faustina Ascending on Eagle
This reverse scene shows Faustina the Elder
being carried to the heavens by an eagle, a traditional symbol of apotheosis.
Academic and Museum Interest
Faustina coins are widely studied in
numismatic and historical circles. Prestigious institutions such as:
·
The British
Museum
·
The American
Numismatic Society
·
The Louvre
hold extensive collections of these coins,
often used in academic research related to Roman gender roles, political
propaganda, and imperial cult practices.
Why Faustina Coins Are Trending
Growing Interest in Ancient Roman Artifacts
The search volume for keywords like
"ancient Roman coins," "Faustina coins value," and
"Roman coin identification" has increased significantly. This trend
reflects a growing public interest in classical antiquity.
Valuable for Multiple Audiences
From collectors and historians to educators
and investors, Faustina coins serve a variety of purposes:
·
Collectors: For their beauty and historical value.
·
Historians: As primary sources.
·
Investors: As tangible assets with appreciating value.
·
Educators: As tools for teaching Roman history.
Long-Tail Keywords to Target
·
Roman Faustina
coins identification
·
Value of
Faustina the Elder coins
·
Faustina the
Younger numismatic history
·
Best place to
buy ancient Roman coins
·
How to
authenticate Faustina Roman coins
Conclusion: The Enduring Allure of Faustina
Coins
Roman ancient Faustina coins are more than
just pieces of metal; they are windows into a past filled with imperial
grandeur, powerful women, and divine propaganda. Whether you’re a seasoned
collector, a student of history, or a curious newcomer, these coins offer a captivating
blend of art, history, and legacy. As interest in ancient numismatics continues
to grow, Faustina coins remain a cornerstone of Roman coin collections
worldwide.
Start your journey into Roman history today
by exploring the rich and rewarding world of Faustina coinage. With their
timeless beauty and profound historical importance, Faustina coins are truly
treasures of the ancient world.
Roman Ancient Faustina Coins: History,
Value, and Identification Guide
Discover the fascinating world of Roman
Ancient Faustina Coins. Learn about their history, value, types, and how to
collect and authenticate them. A must-read for collectors and history buffs!
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