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Roman, Faustina Sr., Augusta 25 February 138 - Early 141, wife of Antoninus Pius
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SH33181. Gold aureus, SRCV II 4553 (same dies), Cayon 1765 (same), RIC III 356d, Cohen 98, BMCRE IV 398, Choice EF, Rome mint, weight 6.923g, maximum diameter 19.8mm, die axis 180o, 147 - 161 A.D.; obverse DIVA FAVSTINA, diademed, draped and veiled bust left; reverse AVGVSTA, Ceres standing left, torch in right, scepter in left; very light hairline scratches; ex Lanz, Auction 135, lot 745 (misattributed); hints of red toning, bold and beautiful, struck with elegant dies!; scarce
Gold aurei are about the same size as silver denarii but they were not struck with the same dies. The finest work of the mint's top master engravers was reserved for striking gold. The difference between the artistry of the gold and silver is not always so striking, but no denarius equals the beauty of this coin.
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