Triton XXI, Lot: 179. Estimate $5000. Sold for $4250. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

EGYPT, Alexandria. Faustina Junior. Augusta, AD 147-175. Æ Drachm (35mm, 27.71 g, 12h). Dated RY 14 of Antoninus Pius (AD 150/151). ΦAVCTINA CЄB CЄB ЄVCЄB ΘVΓ, draped bust right, her hair tied up in a bun with a single strand of pearls / Griffin, as Nemesis, seated right with left forepaw on wheel; I∆ (date) to left, L in exergue. Köln 1957 var. (placement of date); Dattari (Savio) 3317 (same dies); K&G 38.62; Emmett 1986.14 (R2); Staffieri, Alexandria In Nummis 178 (this coin). EF, dark green and brown patina. Rare. Only two inferior specimens have appeared at auction since 2000. A wonderful large bronze for Faustina Junior, and probably one of the finest known.

From the Giovanni Maria Staffieri Collection, purchased from Sarti, Varese, June 1988. Ex Sarti Collection (Varese).

While not a rare type in general, it is rare for Faustina Junior. According to Emmett, it was issued for her father’s regnal years 14, 15, and 19, with Emmett assigning rarity ratings of R2 for year 14, and R5 for years 15 and 19.