Sestertius with wife of Marcus Aurelius Faustina II (SIDERIBVS RECEPTA)

"Sideribus Recepta" translates to "Received by the stars," symbolizing Faustina's ascension to the heavens and her new status as a celestial being or goddess. I had a difficult dilemma which of the same type of sestertii to keep in my collection. The second one had a really pleasant portrait and depiction of Diana, but these here are also decent, and yet the flan is much larger and has a smooth, eye-catching patina.

Obverse: Bust of Faustina II, draped, hair elaborately waved in nearly vertical lines and fastened in a low chignon at the back of the head, down the cheek, curls, right, DIVA FAVSTINA PIA

Reverse: Diana, draped, standing front, head left, holding a transverse lighted torch in both hands; crescent behind the head, SIDERIBVS RECEPTA S C.

Referenz : RIC III Marcus Aurelius 1716

Sammlung : Marcus Aurelius: A Stoic Emperor's Legacy in Coins