★ Annia Faustina ★

PHRYGIA. Hierapolis. Annia Faustina (Augusta, 220-221 & 221-222). Ae.

Obv: ΑΝΝΙΑ ΦΑΥϹΤЄΙΝΑ ϹЄΒ.
Diademed and draped bust right.
Rev: ΙЄΡΑΠΟΛЄΙΤΩΝ ΝЄΩΚΟΡΩΝ / ΤΑ ΠΑΡΑ ΤΩ ΧΡΥϹΟΡΟΑ.
Legend in four lines within wreath.

RPC VI online 5461.6 (this coin).

Aquilia Severa, high priestess of Vesta, was Elagabalus' second wife. The marriage, celebrated in AD 220, was not well accepted by the Roman people, as the vestal vow of chastity was considered sacred. In the mind of the emperor, who identified himself with the Sun God, the marriage was meant to symbolise the union of two different religions, the Syriac and the Roman. The two however had no heirs and Elagabalus divorced Aquilia in 221 to marry Annia Faustina.

Condition: Good fine.

Weight: 6.97 g.
Diameter: 24 mm.