Ave!

Faustina Senior, Sestertius, Commemorative Issue, Pietas reverse

Faustina was the beloved wife of Antoninus Pius whom, after her death in 141 AD, he struck a long series of issues to commemorate her.

Orichalcum; 34mm/25.4gm     Rome Mint - struck after 141 AD. 

Con/ Well centered and struck on a broad & heavy flan with a particularly sensitive portrait; warm dark brown patina with orichalcum highlights. Minor weakness on the reverse, otherwise, Very Fine.

Obv/ DIVA AVGVSTA FAVSTINA; draped bust to right.

Rev/ PIETAS AVG; Pietas, draped and veiled, standing facing, head to left, holding pyxis (box of incense) in left hand and dropping incense with right hand onto lighted candelabrum; S-C across fields.

Ref/ RIC Vol II, 1146a (Pius)

Seller's Note/ On the reverse side, the pyxis is readily identifiable. The incense depicted is most likely frankincense. Ancient Romans utilized this aromatic resin for both incense and perfume, sourcing it exclusively from Arabia Felix and Ethiopia and importing substantial quantities each year, despite considerable expense. Frankincense was routinely employed in temples as well as on funeral pyres, serving to mask the odor of burning flesh. Yikes!