RIC III Marcus Aurelius 1688 Faustina the Younger obverse, Bust of Faustina the Younger, draped, hair elaborately waved in... Obverse
RIC III Marcus Aurelius 1688 Faustina the Younger reverse, Venus, draped, standing left, holding Victory in extended right... Reverse

Seminar für Alte Geschichte, Universität Freiburg

Catalog Reference
RIC III Marcus Aurelius 1688
Ruler
Faustina the Younger
Issued under
Marcus Aurelius
Denomination
Sestertius
Date
161 AD-176 AD
Mint
Rome
Metal
Bronze
Weight
26.59g
Diameter
31mm
Die Axis
6 h
Portrait Type
draped
Manufacturing
struck

Obverse

FAVSTINA AVGVSTA

Bust of Faustina the Younger, draped, hair elaborately waved in nearly vertical lines and fastened in a low chignon at back of head, down cheek, curls, right

Reverse

VENVS VICTRIX S C

Venus, draped, standing left, holding Victory in extended right hand and resting left hand on shield on which are the Dioscuri or she-wolf and twins

About This Type

This RIC III Marcus Aurelius 1688 is a sestertius of Faustina the Younger, issued under Marcus Aurelius (161 AD-176 AD), struck at the Rome mint. The reverse depicts Venus, draped, standing left, holding Victory in extended right hand and resting left hand on shield on which are the Dioscuri or she-wolf and twins. Struck in bronze at a standard weight of 26.59g, 31mm diameter.

About the Sestertius

The sestertius was the large brass prestige coin of the Roman imperial series, typically 25–28 grams and 30–35mm in diameter. Its size gave engravers room for the finest portrait art and most detailed reverse compositions in Roman coinage. Sestertii bear the SC mark indicating senatorial authority over base metal coinage.

About the Rome Mint

The Rome mint was the principal mint of the Roman state from the Republic through the fall of the Western Empire. It produced the vast majority of gold and silver coinage and was the only mint for much of the first and second centuries AD.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is RIC III Marcus Aurelius 1688?
RIC III Marcus Aurelius 1688 is a Bronze Sestertius of Faustina the Younger issued under Marcus Aurelius (161 AD-176 AD) struck at the Rome mint cataloged under RIC vol. III no. III Marcus Aurelius 1688.
How do you identify RIC III Marcus Aurelius 1688?
The obverse depicts Bust of Faustina the Younger, draped, hair elaborately waved in nearly vertical lines and fastened in a low chignon at back of head, down cheek, curls, right with the inscription FAVSTINA AVGVSTA. The reverse depicts Venus, draped, standing left, holding Victory in extended right hand and resting left hand on shield on which are the Dioscuri or she-wolf and twins with the inscription VENVS VICTRIX S C. Portrait type: draped.
What are the physical specifications of RIC III Marcus Aurelius 1688?
RIC III Marcus Aurelius 1688 was struck in Bronze, standard weight 26.59g, diameter 31mm, die axis 6 h, struck.

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