Faustina II

Annia Galeria Faustina

Dynasty: Adoptive and Antonine Dynasty

Wife of Marcus Aurelius and daughter of Antoninus Pius, she was born c. AD 128 and married Aurelius in AD 145. Her coinage was extensive (25 years) and she enjoyed great popularity as the crown princess of the 140s. She received many honours that are not in the coinage: Augusta (AD 147), Mater Castrorum, Matri Magnae, Matri Deum, Fortunae Muliebri. Faustina had twelve or more children many of whom died young. The children are frequently depicted on her coinage in line with the dynastic policy of the Antonines. Much scandal has been attributed to Faustina - was reputed to have had sailors and gladiators as lovers - however the sources for this are dubious

Obverse Legends on coins depicting Faustina II

For explanations of many of the abbreviations used in Roman imperial obverse legends, click here.

• DIVA AVG FAVSTINA
• DIVA FAVSTINA
• DIVA FAVSTINA PIA
• DIVAE FAVSTIN AVG MATR CASTROR
• DIVAE FAVSTINAE PIAE
• FAVSTINA AVG ANTONINI AVG PII F
• FAVSTINA AVG PII AVG F
• FAVSTINA AVG PII AVG FIL
• FAVSTINA AVGVSTA
• FAVSTINA AVGVSTA AVG PII F
• FAVSTINA AVGVSTA AVG PII FIL
• FAVSTINA AVGVSTA PII AVG F
• FAVSTINA AVGVSTA PII AVG FIL
• FAVSTINAE AVG ANTONINI AVG PII FIL
• FAVSTINAE AVG PII AVG F
• FAVSTINAE AVG PII AVG FIL
• FAVSTINAE AVGVSTAE

Coins of Faustina II currently available

Faustina II Bronze sestertius issued c. AD 176 Obv: DIVA FAVSTINA PIA, Bare-headed, draped bust facing right Rev: [CONSECRATIO] SC, Empress draped holding traverse sceptre born aloft by peacock right with wings spread Fair-Fine   |   AUD $120.00