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The Roman Empire AR Denarius featuring Faustina II, minted between 146-175 A.D., is a stunning example of Roman imperial coinage that reflects the intricate relationship between imperial politics and numismatic artistry. Faustina II, the wife of Emperor Marcus Aurelius and daughter of Emperor Antoninus Pius, was one of the most prominent and respected empresses of the Roman Empire. Her reign, which coincided with the height of the Antonine Dynasty, was marked by political stability, military success, and the flourishing of Roman culture. As an important figure in Roman history, Faustina II was commemorated through various coin types that honored her virtues, motherhood, and her role as the emperor’s partner. This particular denarius, depicting her with a unique reverse design of "Kids on Bed," is one of the more charming and symbolic pieces of her coinage.
Faustina II’s portrayal on Roman coinage is significant, as it helped to convey the imperial propaganda of the time. As the wife of Marcus Aurelius and mother to several children, including the future emperor Commodus, Faustina II’s image on coins was meant to highlight her maternal role and reinforce the idea of dynastic succession. In Roman society, the concept of the family was of paramount importance, and the depiction of the empress with her children served to promote the image of a stable and prosperous imperial family. The coin’s imagery emphasized her role as a nurturing mother, a key figure in the continuity of the empire. These coins were not only used as currency but also as political tools to convey the message of imperial stability and the ongoing strength of the Antonine Dynasty.
The design of the Faustina II AR Denarius is a beautiful example of the skill and precision of Roman coin engravers. On the obverse, the coin features a right-facing bust of Faustina II, her image rendered with graceful details that emphasize the idealized beauty of the empress. She is shown wearing a simple yet elegant hairstyle, with her hair styled in a soft, flowing manner, and a diadem symbolizing her imperial status. Her face is portrayed with delicate features, conveying a sense of youthful dignity and maternal grace. The inscription surrounding her portrait reads “FAUSTINA AVGVSTA,” meaning “Faustina the Augusta,” a title that was conferred upon her as the empress. This inscription reinforces her high status and prominent role in the Roman Empire, linking her directly to the emperor and the imperial family.
The reverse of the coin features a highly unique and symbolic design: Faustina II reclining on a bed, with two children beside her. This image is a rare and touching depiction of imperial motherhood, emphasizing the empress's role as a mother and caregiver within the imperial family. The children shown on the reverse are often identified as Faustina’s own offspring, symbolizing the continuity of the imperial line through her children. The children’s playful and innocent pose beside Faustina evokes the familial harmony that was a central theme in Roman imperial propaganda. This depiction, known as the “Kids on Bed” type, is one of the more personal and intimate designs found on Roman coinage, offering a glimpse into the Roman perception of the imperial family’s role in maintaining the stability of the empire. The inscription on the reverse reads “PIETAS AVGVSTI,” referring to the concept of piety or devotion, an essential virtue in Roman society that was often associated with familial duty, loyalty, and respect for the divine order.
The minting of the Faustina II AR Denarius took place at one of the official Roman mints, most likely in Rome itself. Roman mints were responsible for producing high-quality coins, and the minting of denarii like this one was an essential part of the Roman economy. The denarius was the standard silver coin of the Roman Empire and was widely used for trade, payment to soldiers, and in transactions throughout the empire. These coins were crafted using engraved dies, which were struck with force onto metal blanks to create the intricate designs. Roman coinage was known for its high level of craftsmanship, and the depictions on coins were often used as tools for imperial propaganda, promoting the emperor’s image and conveying political messages to the public. The Faustina II Denarius, with its detailed engravings and personalized imagery, reflects the artistic sophistication and political purposes of Roman coinage during the reign of the Antonine Dynasty.
Although the exact mintage of the Faustina II AR Denarius is not known, it is likely that a substantial number of these coins were minted, given their widespread circulation and importance in the Roman monetary system. Denarii like this one were used not only in Rome but also in the provinces, where they facilitated trade and commerce. Coins from the reign of Marcus Aurelius and Faustina II were common in the Mediterranean world, and the images of the imperial family were meant to be visible to as many people as possible. These coins, including the Denarius with the "Kids on Bed" design, served as a reminder of the emperor’s power and the stability of the empire, reinforcing the image of a family-oriented, prosperous society under imperial rule. The production and distribution of these coins were essential for maintaining the financial and political cohesion of the Roman Empire during the 2nd century A.D.
The condition of this particular Faustina II AR Denarius is graded as ChXF (Choice Extremely Fine), indicating that the coin remains in excellent condition with only minimal signs of wear from circulation. Coins in this grade retain much of their original design, with fine details and clear features. The portrait of Faustina II on the obverse is well-defined, with the goddess-like features of the empress clearly visible, including the soft texture of her hair and the elegant curves of her face. The reverse design of Faustina reclining with her children retains the clarity of the original engraving, with the figures of the children and the folds of the bed visible in sharp detail. The coin's surfaces are relatively clean, showing only minor signs of wear, which is typical for coins that have circulated for some time but have been well-preserved. The coin’s striking clarity and sharpness make it a desirable piece for collectors, particularly those interested in Roman imperial coinage and the numismatic history of the Antonine Dynasty.
The Faustina II AR Denarius from 146-175 A.D. is a valuable piece of ancient Roman coinage, offering a rare glimpse into the personal and familial aspects of the imperial family. The depiction of the empress with her children on the reverse emphasizes the theme of dynastic continuity and the importance of the emperor's family in maintaining the stability of the empire. The coin’s design, which combines royal symbolism with intimate and relatable imagery, serves as both a tool of imperial propaganda and a reflection of the values of Roman society. The minting of this denarius in silver, along with its widespread circulation, underscores the political and economic significance of the coinage produced during the reign of Hadrian and his family. The high-quality craftsmanship of the coin, coupled with its preservation in ChXF condition, makes it an attractive and historically important piece for collectors and numismatists.
In conclusion, the Faustina II AR Denarius from 146-175 A.D. stands as a significant artifact from the Roman Empire, offering valuable insights into the political, familial, and cultural life of the time. The coin’s portrayal of Faustina II and her children provides a personal and intimate view of the imperial family, while the high-quality design and minting speak to the sophistication of Roman coinage. The coin’s role in the broader monetary system of the Roman Empire, its symbolic representations, and its preservation in excellent condition make it an important piece for collectors and historians interested in the numismatic history of the Roman Empire and the reign of the Antonine Dynasty.