Faustina Junior. Augusta, AD 147-175. AV Aureus (20mm, 7.18 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck under Marcus Aurelius, circa AD 161-circa 175. Near EF.

CNG Feature Auction 132
Lot: 801. Estimated: $ 2 000

Roman Imperial, Coin-in-Hand Video, Gold

Sold For $ 6 000. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

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Faustina Junior. Augusta, AD 147-175. AV Aureus (20mm, 7.18 g, 12h). Rome mint. Struck under Marcus Aurelius, circa AD 161-circa 175. Draped bust right, hair arranged in parallel plaits drawn into small chignon at nape of neck / Venus seated left on throned, holding the Three Graces in extended hand and transverse scepter. RIC III 732; Beckmann, Faustina (dies fm50/VF1 – this coin); MIR 18 –; Calicó 2099 (illustrating the Biaggi coin); BMCRE –; Biaggi 945; Mazzini –. Toned, hairlines, light scratch, area of expert repair. Near EF. Extremely rare with Venus holding the Three Graces. One of two known. Not suitable for encapsulation.

From the Dr. Mark Staal Collection. Ex Nomos 20 (10 July 2020), lot 331; Lanz 165 (9 December 2017), lot 227; Goldberg 93 (6 September 2016), lot 1611 (repaired since); Goldberg 91 (7 June 2016), lot 2027; Heritage 3033 (8 August 2014), lot 23086; Hess-Divo 308 (24 October 2007), lot 218.

This extremely rare aureus with Venus holding the Three Graces is attested to by just two examples. Szaivert in MIR 18 (1986) doubted that this type existed and did not include an entry for it. The only authority cited in the RIC entry is for Revue Belge de Numismatique 36 (1880), p. 59, no. 9. This type, however, is not included in those illustrated on pl. VI. The other known example is the Biaggi coin which serves as the illustration in Calicó and has made two auction appearances in Numismatica Ars Classica 52 (7 October 2009), lot 470 and Numismatica Ars Classica 49 (21 October 2008), lot 285. Beckmann in his recent 2021 study likewise knew of only these two examples.

The final winners of all CNG Feature Auction 132 lots will be determined at the live online sale that will be held on 18-19 May 2026.

CNG Feature Auction 132 – Session Three – Lot 588-888 will be held Tuesday morning, 19 May 2026 beginning at 9:00 AM ET.

Winning bids are subject to a 22.5% buyer's fee for bids placed on this website and 25% for all others.

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