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Faustina the Elder and Antoninus Pius

Medalist of the Roman Emperors (Italian (probably Milan), 1475–1500)
Italian
about 1475–1500
Place of Manufacture: Milan, Italy

Medium/Technique Metal; bronze
Dimensions Diameter and weight: 109 mm (4 5/16 in.)
Credit Line Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Henry S. Shaw
Accession Number21.1873
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsEurope
ClassificationsNumismaticsMedals

Catalogue Raisonné Hill 735. Kress 204.
DescriptionCircular medal of Faustina the Elder and Antoninus Pius.

Obverse: Profile bust of a Faustina looking to proper right, hair braided and coiled, cloak fastened with bulla on shoulder; inscribed at edge "DIVAAVGVSTA DIVAE FAVSTINA".

Reverse: A bearded Antoninus Pius seated at proper left, dressed in armor and crowned with laureate wreath, faces and holds the hand of a seated Faustina at proper right, facing Pius, wearing a tunic and mantle. Both are seated on folding seats; inscribed at edge "DIVA FAVSTINA DIVS ANTONINVS" and in exergue "S C".
InscriptionsObverse: Inscribed at edge "DIVAAVGVSTA DIVAE FAVSTINA".

Reverse: Inscribed at edge "DIVA FAVSTINA DIVS ANTONINVS" and in exergue "S C".
ProvenanceBy 1921, Mr. and Mrs. Henry S. Shaw; 1921, gift of the Mr. and Mrs. Henry S. Shaw to the MFA. (Accession Date: October 6, 1921)