2017-09-13 Wed

Heritage Auctions offered a wide range of interesting and rare coins at the World and Ancient Coins Platinum Night sale on 3rd August. 40 old coins belonged to the Golden Gate Collection of Roman Gold Aurei which were issued in the Roman Imperial period from A.D. 60 to 160. It was time when Rome grew considerably in terms of territory, economics and art.

A gold aureus issued by Faustina Junior, wife of Marcus Aurelius (149 to 175/6), graded Choice About Uncirculated, NGC Star, Fine Style was sold for $25,850. Most other coins from the collection featured men and this is one of those few coins which depicted a woman.

The coin depicts an expressive portrait of a 20-year-old princess. Her hair is rolled in a double bun wound with a band of pearls. The coin boasts of a high relief die work and detailed engraving. The reverse features Venus in drapery, holding an apple in her right hand and a ship’s tiller interlinked by a dolphin in her left. The coin was struck in 149 to 152 and the younger Faustina was just named empress by the Senate to honour her father.