Faustina II Junior, Wife of Marcus Aurelius AR Denarius Roman Empire 157-161 AD Silver Coin Spes on Reverse Museum Reproduction CSRD0087

Spes, the personification of hope, was used on coins of the caesar, the son and designated successor of the emperor, to indicate he was the hope for the future. This coin is unusual because the hope for the future is identified as the Augusti, both the daughter and the adopted son of the emperor, Faustina Jr and her husband Marcus Aurelius.

The daughter, wife, and mother of emperors and empresses, Faustina II was born around 130 A.D. to Antoninus Pius and Faustina I. She was married to her cousin Marcus Aurelius in 145 A.D. In 146 A.D., she gave birth to the first of 14 children. To celebrate this occasion she was given the title of Augusta, which technically made her superior in rank to her husband. Faustina II was a devoted wife and mother and accompanied her husband on all his military campaigns. Her son Commodus went on to become emperor after his fathers’ death, and her daughter Lucilla became Augusta when she married Lucius Verus. She died in the city of Halala in Anatolia in 175 A.D., plagued by baseless rumors about her infidelity. She was deified soon after and a grand temple was erected to her in the city where she died.
DESIGN:
Obverse side
Draped bust left, hair waved and coiled at lower back of head in small bun
Legend:
FAVSTINA AVGVSTA

Reverse side
Spes standing left, flower in right hand, raising skirt with left
Legend:
AVGVSTI PII FIL

A perfect choice for Numismatists, Historians, Military Veterans, Collectors.