Gemini, LLC > Auction II | Auction date: 11 January 2006 |
Lot number: 441 | |
Lot description: Faustina I, Wife of Antonius Pius. (). Silver denarius (3.88 gm). Rome, 139 AD. FAVSTINA AVG ANTONINI AVG, bust draped right / VESTA, Vesta seated left holding Palladium and slanting scepter. BMCRE 37, pl. I.19 (same dies). Cohen 285 (Vienna). RIC 334c. Third recorded specimen. Rare: no denarii of this issue in Reka Devnia hoard, nor in Berk photofile. Remarkably overweight. Extremely fine. This denarius is from the very rare first issue of Faustina I not yet calling Antoninus Pius "Pater Patriae." Strack 391-393 knew only five denarii of this whole issue, namely two, in BM and Vienna, with a VESTA reverse like ours, plus two with Concordia seated and one with Concordia standing. Estimate: US$500 |