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 Replies: 9 / Views: 1,697 |
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Valued Member
United States
319 Posts |
This very nice coin made its debut as part my 'Top Ten' list from 2022. It is also yet another "wandering eye" acquisition as I try to find a solidly realistic portrait of Marcus Aurelius. Unlike the Claudius dupondius from a previous post, this splendid As is at least closely related to my search. As the wife of Marcus Aurelius, Faustina the Younger (or Minor) accompanied the Emperor on many military campaigns and enjoyed the devotion of the troops for her presence among them. Being given the cognomen 'Mater Castrorum' (Mother of the Camp). Oddly enough, aside from being the Emperor's maternal cousin, Faustina was technically both his wife...and sister. *long breath* Ah, those whacky Romans!  This well-executed portrait certainly exhibits the flattering style generally favored in the depictions of Augusta. Lovely toning and nice details, it spoke to me the moment I saw it. Obverse: FAVSTINA AVGVSTA, with draped bust of the Empress. Reverse: the goddess, Hilaritas, standing, holding a palm and cornucopia. She is the only imperial wife in my collection. Edited by circusmax120
02/16/2023 5:14 pm
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Pillar of the Community
 Spain
2752 Posts |
Another great looking portrait Mike!..
You do have a good eye my man!...
Really does show how beautiful this young lady was.....Probably why Marcus coins always show him wide-eyed?
Seriously though it's a sweet looking coin..An excellent addition to your quite unique way of collecting.
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Valued Member
 United States
319 Posts |
Thanks, Paul. The lady must truly have had something going on, as she and the Emperor had at least fourteen children during their thirty year marriage. I wonder how many of those kids were conceived while on campaign throughout the empire. Mother of the Camp indeed!
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Bedrock of the Community
Australia
21786 Posts |
Indeed a splendid coin, evenly struck, with fully intact legends, well centered.
Nice patina, good quality die cutting for a Roman coin, with cameo accents, an eye pleaser.
Not quite EF, but a superb example anyway.
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"Mother of the Camp".... hmmm.
" Mary had a little lamb, and the doctors were surprised, but
when Old MacDonald had a farm, - they couldn't believe their eyes !"
- (Victor Borge)
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Valued Member
United States
319 Posts |
Could not possibly agree with you more, sel. Even though I am focused on a specific target, it never hurts to keep a broader perspective. Thus far a good Aurelius has eluded me, but I've managed to find a few gems in the searching.
I enjoyed your Victor Borge reference. Awesome!
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Pillar of the Community
 United Kingdom
1168 Posts |
Faustina looks beautiful in this portrait. The wandering eye proves it's worth once again. Another excellent addition to the collection, Mike.  |
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Valued Member
United States
392 Posts |
I don't know much about ancients, but this is really nice! I tend to like the 5 good emperors. Faustina also happens to have a pretty face. Nice find!!!
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Valued Member
United States
319 Posts |
Parnelli917: I'm pleased to meet another who can appreciate the art captured in such a coin. I did not find my way into ancients until my mid-twenties, before which my interests were early-American and foreign coinage. The underlying focus, however, was (and remains) the history and the art. My love of ancient history simply won out!
It's a beautiful portrait indeed, and the details are very nice. Headpiece and hairstyle...with curls at her cheek and neck. Plus...the necklace! A gift from the Emperor perhaps?
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Pillar of the Community
Spain
2752 Posts |
Mike here's a couple of Marcus Aurelius portraits that are quite nice?...Certainly difficult to find a bearded lifelike portrait you might be better off looking for his youthful beardless types?..Anyhow here's the 2...   |
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Valued Member
United States
319 Posts |
Thanks, Paul. Those two examples are really quite nice, and most likely as close to realism as I'm likely to get. It's the style of the eye that seems to give me pause...but that is simply the prevailing style of that time. Holding out in the hope that a particular engraver chose a different expression is only going to be frustrating and make the search more grueling than need be. I am sure I've seen similar Aurelians to those you posted, Paul...but something prevented me from pulling the trigger. Possibly condition issues. More likely budgetary issues. I like both of the examples you show here. The eyes are well rendered, without the exaggeration seen on many types. The condition of the first/top coin is excellent (which tends to elevate it above my price range). The second coin has, in my opinion, a superior portrait...but a bit more wear than I'd like. It's such a delicate balancing act!
I have, as you mention, noticed that the beardless, younger Aurelius tends to be more realistic in representation. So I have been leaning in that direction. I will keep looking. Thanks again, Paul!
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Replies: 9 / Views: 1,697 |
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Posted 02/16/2023 5:10 pm
