Sale: Triton XIII, Lot: 1457. Estimate $1000.  Closing Date: Monday, 4 January 2010.  Sold For $2400. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Diva Faustina Senior. Died AD 140/1. Æ Sestertius (30.67 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck under Antoninus Pius, circa AD 141-146. Draped bust right / The Temple of Antoninus Pius and Faustina: hexastyle temple façade set on two-tiered base; ornate pediment decorated with figures; roof line surmounted by quadriga; figures with billowing veils at ends; S C in exergue. RIC III 1148; Banti 96; BMCRE 1454. VF, attractive river patina. Very rare and historical architectural type.

This temple was built by Antoninus Pius after Faustina’s death and dedicated to her. The entablature still bears the inscription: DIVAE FAVSTINAE EX S C. When Antoninus Pius died and was deified 20 years later, a new line was added above the original inscription: DIVO ANTONINVS ET.