Silver Denarius of Faustina Jr. RIC 677

Silver Denarius (18mm 3.56g) Struck AD 161-175 Rome

Obv: FAUSTINA AVGVSTA Draped bust right

Rev: FECVNDITAS Fecunditas holding child and sceptre

RIC III 677, Sears 5252
ex. Vaughn Coins

The Front (Obverse)

• The Inscription: FAUSTINA AVGVSTA
• What you’re looking at: A graceful, draped portrait of Faustina II looking to the right. Take a close look at her hair—this coin showcases her iconic, intricate hairstyle. Roman empresses were the ultimate trendsetters of their day; wealthy women across the empire would copy these elaborate braided waves and tight chignon buns.

The Back (Reverse)

• The Inscription: FECVNDITAS (Meaning Fertility or Fruitfulness)
• What you’re looking at: The goddess Fecunditas standing tall, facing right. She holds a long vertical scepter in her right hand as a sign of her divine authority, and cradling a tiny infant in her left arm.

The Historical Context: Imperial Baby PR

This isn't just a pretty picture; it’s a powerful piece of state propaganda.

Marcus Aurelius and Faustina Junior had a remarkably prolific marriage, bringing at least 14 children into the world. In the ancient world, infant mortality was devastatingly high—even for royalty. Only a handful of their children survived to adulthood (including the future emperor Commodus and his twin brother Antoninus, who died at age 4).

Because the previous era under Antoninus Pius lacked direct male heirs, the Roman public was deeply anxious about who would rule next. Every time Faustina gave birth, the empire celebrated.

Striking this FECVNDITAS coin was the imperial family’s way of saying:

"Look how much the gods love our family! We are blessed with children, the succession is secure, and the future of Rome is safe in our hands."

It’s an incredible piece of history to hold—a direct window into the personal life and political messaging of Rome’s most famous philosopher-emperor and his empress.