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Copper As of Faustina I

This well - worn coin bears the characteristically high relief portrait of Faustina the Elder found on her asses and denarii. This high relief modeling, coupled with her generally soft and rounded facial features has made for a coin in which the high points are soon worn away in circulation. On this specimen, hints of Faustina's elegant little double tiara of pearls and her ornate hair style into which more pearls are woven remain to be enjoyed by the modern beholder. Faustina's soft mouth and chin show prominently on this coin despite the wear. Indeed these features are sufficient to identify a coin portrait as Faustina I even on the most worn coins with missing inscriptions.

Faustina's features bespeak a mature beauty much in contrast to the youthful beauty seen in images of allegorical figures and male portraits on Roman coins. The die engraver's skillful execution of her portrait stand as a testimony to his skill in portraying the lovely charms of a rather plump empress well into her middle years. Her story is told in the author's article in the section on Roman Ladies.


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