Faustina Junior, wife of Marcus Aurelius, Augusta, 147-175. Phrygia. Docimeium. Assarion (Bronze, 19 mm, 4.16 g, 6 h), early 160s. ΦΑVСΤЄΙΝΑ СЄΒΑС Draped bust of Faustina II to right, her hair tied in a bun at the back of her head. Rev. ΔΟΚΙ - ΜЄΩΝ Kybele, with multiple breasts, standing facing in a very stiff way; to left and right, lions standing outwards, their heads turned back towards Kybele. BMC 23. RPC IV.2 online 1976. SNG Cop 358. SNG von Aulock 3550. With an attractive portrait of the still youthful empress and an unusual depiction of Kybele. Dark green-brown patina. About extremely fine.

Interestingly enough, in the RPC the figure on the reverse, presumably Kybele, is described as wearing a Kalathos on her head: one wonders how they got that idea because it is quite clear that this figure is certainly not wearing one! In fact she just has rather thick, curly hair, almost like a wig. In addition, and rather surprisingly, she seems to have multiple breasts, in the manner of the Ephesian Artemis. This indicates that she is not merely the usual Kybele but, rather, is some kind syncretistic goddess, combined with local Anatolian elements.