Roman Sestertius Coins

Inv. No.: c106
Date: A.D. 146-175.
Weight: 23.98g
 
Obv.: Faustina the Younger.
FAVSTINA AVGVSTA

Rev.: Fecunditas standing, holding sceptre and infant.
FECVNDITAS S.C.

The younger Faustina, daughter of Antoninus Pius and wife of Marcus Aurelius, was declared Augusta after the birth of her first child in A.D. 146. She is honoured on the reverse of this coin for her fruitfulness. In all, she bore six daughters and six sons.

Such numismatic honours are but one indication of Aurelius’ affection and respect for Faustina. She accompanied him on his northern campaign (A.D. 170-174) and to the East, where she died in 175. In 174 she was proclaimed Mater Castrorum. On balance it would seem, therefore, that stories of her promiscuity in the Historia Augusta are improbable, and that the Pudicitia reverse types on her coinage can be accepted at their face value.

Comparanda:
RIC, Aurelius 1638.