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RIC III Antoninus Pius 356a (denarius)

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC III Antoninus Pius 356a (denarius). Denomination: Denarius. Authority: Antoninus Pius. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows bust of Faustina the Elder, draped, right, hair elaborately waved in several loops round head and drawn up and coiled on top, with the legend DIVA FAVSTINA.

The reverse shows ceres, veiled, draped, standing left, holding out torch in right hand and short vertical sceptre in left, with the legend AVGVSTA.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
2
Catalogue references
1

Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.

Historical context

Antoninus Pius served as Roman emperor from AD 138 to 161, having married Faustina before being adopted as the son and successor of Emperor Hadrian. As the fourth ruler of the Nerva–Antonine dynasty, he governed during a period marked by an absence of major revolts or foreign incursions, administering imperial finances to leave a substantial surplus in the treasury.

Struck at the Rome mint, this silver denarius functioned as part of the standard Roman silver coinage that had circulated since approximately 211 BC. The coin commemorates the emperor's wife, Faustina the Elder, whose deified status is identified by the obverse inscription DIVA FAVSTINA. The reverse depicts the goddess Ceres, draped and veiled while bearing a torch and a sceptre, accompanied by the legend AVGVSTA.

Physical characteristics

Material
Silver
Denomination
Denarius

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Antoninus Pius

Design

Obverse
Bust of Faustina the Elder, draped, right, hair elaborately waved in several loops round head and drawn up and coiled on top
Reverse
Ceres, veiled, draped, standing left, holding out torch in right hand and short vertical sceptre in left
Obverse legend
DIVA FAVSTINA
Reverse legend
AVGVSTA

Identification

Type reference
RIC III Antoninus Pius 356a (denarius)
Denomination and metal
Denarius, Silver
Obverse legend to match
DIVA FAVSTINA
Reverse legend to match
AVGVSTA
Source note
Type description from the American Numismatic Society's Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE); individual specimens differ in die, flan size, weight and wear, and legend breaks may vary.

Documentation checklist

Denomination
Recorded
Issue or mint date
Recorded
Material
Recorded
Weight
Research required
Mint or printer
Recorded
Mint or printer mark
Research required
Catalogue reference
Recorded
Attached photograph (check rights)
Recorded

Recorded means a field is present, not independently verified. Read its wording, supporting source and the entry’s confidence level.

Catalogue references

Research required

  • Editorial verification required.
  • Weight, diameter and mint marks require specimen-level evidence.
  • Museum specimen photographs are linked by the source; local photographs and reuse rights remain unverified.
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