Faustina Sr. AE As AD 138-140/1 *smoothing* Ch VF

The as, also known as an assarius, was a coin first introduced during the Roman Republic and continued to be used during the Roman Empire.  Asses were initially made of bronze, but later issues of these coins were made of copper.  Ten asses were equivalent to one denarius.

Annia Galeria Faustina the Elder, sometimes called Faustina I, Faustina Sr., or Faustina Major, was born circa 100 AD in Rome.  She was the daughter of Marcus Annius Verus and Rupilia Faustina.  Sometime between 110 and 115, she married Antoninus Pius.  When her uncle, then-emperor Hadrian, died in 138, Faustina’s husband acceded the throne according to Hadrian’s wishes and Faustina became empress.  She worked with charities and enabled Roman children, especially girls, to receive education.  Faustina had a personal style that became popular - particularly her unique braided hairstyle, which was emulated for a few generations after her.  She died in 140, to Antoninus Pius’s devastation.  He constructed and dedicated a temple to her in the Roman Forum, making Faustina the first empress with a permanent presence there.  He also established the Puellae Faustinianae (Girls of Faustina) charity that provided help for orphaned Roman girls.  Faustina and Antoninus were thought to be paragons of a happy marriage, so much so that newlyweds were advised to pray to them.

This coin was graded Ch VF (choice very fine) by the Numismatic Grading Company, the official grading service of the American Numismatic Association and the Professional Numismatists Guild.  Here is a list of grades used by the NGC, as well as information about Strike, Surface, and Style ratings.  This coin has smoothing, meaning the surface has been ground down to smooth out rough areas.

Obverse: DIVA FAUSTINA, draped bust right

Reverse: AVAVSTA SC, Ceres standing left holding short torch in right hand and corn ears in left

Reference: RCV 4646, RIC 1171