This Æ (Bronze) sestertius was minted posthumously to honor Faustina the Younger, wife of Emperor Marcus Aurelius and daughter of Antoninus Pius and Faustina the Elder. Faustina died in 175 AD while accompanying her husband on a military campaign.
The inscription "SIDERIBVS RECEPTA" (Received by the stars) refers to the belief that Faustina's soul had ascended to the heavens, joining the gods. This coin is part of the deification series, emphasizing her newfound divine status.
The reverse depicts Diana, the goddess of the moon and hunting, symbolizing Faustina's association with the celestial realm. The crescent moon behind Diana's head further reinforces this celestial connection.
This coin is not only a fascinating numismatic specimen, minted more than 1800 years ago, but also a tangible link to one of the most stable and prosperous periods of the Roman Empire, known as the Pax Romana under the rule of the "Five Good Emperors."
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