Lot 3607

Description

Antoninus Pius, Faustina Senior, wife of Antoninus Pius, and (died 141) and Galerius Antoninus (died 138), copper as?, AE 28, (11.236 grams), issued 147, uncertain mint, obv. veiled and draped bust to right of Faustina, around **Q*EA FAYCTEINA, rev. young bare headed and draped bust of Galerius Antoninus to right, around **[M GALERIO*C] ANTWNINOC AYTOKPATOPOC AN[TWNEINOY YIOC], (S.4659 [£500 F], C.1). Weak in places, fine and very rare.

Galerius Antoninus was one of two sons born to Faustina and who apparently died in infancy. His death, because of lack evidence of titles, probably occurred before the elevation of Antoninus Pius. It was probably struck at a Balkan mint (based on style) but the dies being of regular style suggests preparation in Rome.