© Trustees of the British Museum
© Trustees of the British Museum
Aureus - Faustina the Elder VENERI AVGVSTAE; Venus
| Gold | 7.4 g | 18 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Empire (27 BC - 395 AD) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Antoninus Pius (Titus Aelius Hadrianus Antoninus Pius) (138-161) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 138-139 |
| Value | 1 Aureus = 25 Denarii |
| Currency | Denarius, Reform of Augustus (27 BC – AD 215) |
| Composition | Gold |
| Weight | 7.4 g |
| Diameter | 18 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#260315 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Venus, draped, standing right, with right hand lifting veil from head and left hand holding apple.
Script: Latin
Lettering: VENERI AVGVSTAE
Translation:
Veneri Augustae.
To Venus, the venerable.
Comment
Mass varies: 7.08–7.63 g;Example of this type:
Trustees of the British Museum
Source:
Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE)
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Aureus coin featuring Faustina the Elder is that it was minted during a time when women were increasingly being featured on Roman coins, reflecting their growing influence in society. This trend was seen as a way to promote the image of the emperor's family and reinforce their legitimacy, and Faustina the Elder was one of the first women to be depicted on Roman coins.
