Faustina II, wife of Marcus Aurelius, Augusta, 147-175. Sestertius (Orichalcum, 32 mm, 23.64 g, 6 h), struck under her father, Antoninus Pius, Rome, 147-161. FAVSTINAE AVG PII FIL Pearl diademed and draped bust of Faustina II to right. Rev. VENVS / S C Venus standing to left, holding an apple with her extended right hand and a rudder with her left. Banti 137. Cohen 268. RIC 1388c ( Pius ). With a fine portrait of the empress, showing her in her early '20s, and with an attractive green patina. Minor flan crack. Very fine.

From a European collection, ex Numismatica Ars Classica 64, 17 May 2012, 2637.