2020-03-31 Tue

Fausta Flavia Maxima was the daughter of the Roman Emperor Maximianus and his Syrian wife Eutropia. She was a second wife of Constantine the Great and mother of Constantine II, Constantius II, and Constans. To seal the alliance between them and to control the Tetrarchy, Maximianus married her to Constantine I on 31st March, 307 CE.

When Constantine wanted to strengthen his bonds with the other Tetrarchs, in 307 AD he set aside Minervina (first wife) and married Fausta. Empress Fausta was held in high esteem by Constantine and proof of his favour was that in 324 CE she was proclaimed Augusta. Previously she held the title of Nobilissima Femina.

However, in 326 Fausta was put to death by Constantine following the execution of Crispus (eldest son by Minervina). The above shown Nummus was issued from Ticinum mint. The obverse of a coin depicts the mantled bust of Fausta right, seen from the front, wearing the necklace, hair waved and tucked in a chignon at the base of the head. The reverse of a coin engraved Fausta standing facing left while holding Constantine II and Constantius II as children. Alphabet P crescent T in exergue.

Image Source: Heritage Auctions