DIVA FAUSTINA I (Died 140/1). Denarius. Rome. Struck under Antoninus Pius.

Obv: DIVA AVG FAVSTINA.
Draped bust right.
Rev: DEDICATIO AEDIS.
Hexastyle temple of Diva Faustina; sculptures in pediment; facing quadriga and two victories on roof.

RIC 388 (Pius).

This temple was first dedicated to the empress Faustina the Elder, who was deified in 141 AD shortly after her death, and twenty years later to her husband, the now divine Antoninus Pius. Still visible today in the Roman Forum, the façade, which has lost its tympanum, has preserved its columns and dedicatory inscription. In 161, upon the emperor's death, the Senate decreed that the temple be dedicated to both of them, and so the inscription was updated from “Divae Faustinae ex S(enatus) C(onsulto)” to be preceded by the name of “Divus Antoninus.”

Condition: Near extremely fine.

Weight: 3.01 g.
Diameter: 17 mm.