Faustina Friday – Recreating Sulzer’s collection of Faustina the Elder, Part 2

[Roman Collector]

Friday felicitations, fellow Faustina fanatics! I hope you have a wonderful weekend ahead. Last week I introduced you to the collection of Johann Sulzer and illustrated his Faustina the Elder section with coins from my collection. I continue this week by illustrating the coins on page 158 of the catalog to his collection. Sulzer's catalog necessitates a prolonged discussion of #1318, a coin which (to the best of my knowledge) has never been described elsewhere in the numismatic literature.

Page 158 of the catalog of Sulzer's collection.

Sulzer #1304-1306:

Faustina I, 138-140 CE.
Roman AR Denarius, 2.99 g, 17.1 mm, 5 h.
Rome, 150 CE and later.
Obv: DIVA FAVSTINA, veiled and draped bust, right.
Rev: CONSECRATIO, peacock walking right, head left, on scepter (?).
Refs: RIC 384(b); BMCRE 476-77; Cohen 176; Strack 453; RCV –; CRE 107.
Notes: 15 examples in the Reka Devnia hoard.

Sulzer #1307:

Faustina I, 138-140 CE.
Roman AR Denarius, 3.10 g, 17.6 mm, 6 h.
Rome, 150 CE and later.
Obv: DIVA FAVSTINA, bare-headed and draped bust, right.
Rev: CONSECRATIO, peacock walking right, head left, on scepter (?).
Refs: RIC 384(a); BMCRE 473-75; Cohen 175; Strack 453; RCV 4594; CRE 106.
Notes: 112 examples in the Reka Devnia hoard.

Sulzer #1308:

Faustina Senior, 138-140 CE.
Roman AR denarius, 3.06 g, 17.5 mm, 5h.
Rome, c. 155-161 CE.
Obv: DIVA AVG FAVSTINA, bare-headed and draped bust, right.
Rev: CONSECRATIO, Ceres (?) standing left, raising right hand and holding short torch in left.
Refs: RIC 382a; BMCRE 301; Cohen 166; Strack 424; RCV –; CRE 87.
Notes: This is an example of a late reverse type with an early obverse legend.

Sulzer #1309:

Faustina I, 138-140 CE.
Roman AR denarius, 3.47 g, 19.0 mm, 12 h.
Rome, 140-44 CE.
Obv: DIVA AVG FAVSTINA, veiled and draped bust, right.
Rev: Pietas, veiled and draped, standing left, dropping incense on lighted candelabrum with right hand and holding box in left hand.
Refs: RIC 395c(a); BMCRE 315-17; RSC/Cohen 237; Strack 429; RCV --; CRE 117.

Sulzer #1310-1311:

Faustina I, 138-140 CE.
Roman AR denarius, 2.29 g, 18.6 mm, 8 h.
Rome, 140-144 CE.
Obv: DIVA AVG FAVSTINA, bare-headed and draped bust, right.
Rev: Pietas, veiled and draped, standing left, dropping incense on lighted altar with right hand and holding box in left hand.
Refs: RIC 394a; BMCRE 311-314; RSC/Cohen 234; Strack 428; RCV 4598; CRE 114.
Notes: Sulzer 1309 and 1310 probably refer to the different types of altar on the reverse but it’s unclear which number refers to the cylindrical altar type and which number refers to the candelabrum type.

Sulzer #1312

[]

Faustina I, 138-140 CE.
Roman orichalcum sestertius, 23.19 g, 33.5 mm, 12 h.
Rome, 139-140 CE.
Obv: FAVSTINA AVG ANTONINI AVG PII P P, bare-headed and draped bust, right.
Rev: VENERI AVGVSTAE S C, Venus, standing right, drawing drapery from right shoulder with right hand and holding apple in left hand.
Refs: RIC 1081; BMCRE 1120-22; Cohen 282; Strack 1224; RCV 4677; Hill UCR 146.

Sulzer #1313:

Faustina I, 138-140 CE.
Roman orichalcum sestertius, 22.40 g, 32.6 mm, 4 h.
Rome, ca. 155-161 CE.
Obv: DIVA FAVSTINA, bare-headed and draped bust, right.
Rev: AETERNITAS S C, Aeternitas standing facing, head left, holding phoenix (nimbate right) on globe in right hand and with left hand drawing out fold of skirt.
Refs: RIC 1105a; BMCRE 1490, 1493; Cohen 12; RCV 4607.

Sulzer #1314-1316:

Faustina I, 138-140 CE.
Roman orichalcum sestertius, 26.57 gm, 32.5 mm, 1 h.
Rome, ca. 155-161 CE.
Obv: DIVA FAVSTINA, bare-headed and draped bust, right.
Rev: AETERNITAS SC, Aeternitas enthroned left, holding phoenix (nimbate right) on globe and scepter.
Refs: RIC 1103A(a); BMCRE 1482-86; Cohen 15; Strack 1265; RCV 4606.

Sulzer #1317 (misdescribed reverse legend):

Faustina I, 138-140 CE.
Roman orichalcum sestertius, 25.98 g, 31.4 mm, 1 h.
Rome, November 140 - early 141 CE.
Obv: DIVA AVGVS-TA FAVSTINA, veiled and draped bust, right.
Rev: EX S C, Statue of Faustina holding corn ears, seated left in currus drawn by pair of elephants, left.
Refs: RIC 1140b; BMC 1435; Cohen 202; Strack 685; RCV –.
Notes: Sulzer’s catalog reports the reverse legend as reading AETERNITAS EX S C. However, the currus elephantorum issues bearing the AETERNITAS reverse legend were struck in 150 CE and read S C, not EX SC in the exergue. Moreover, these coins always bear the later DIVA FAVSTINA legend and never feature a veiled bust. Based on Sulzer's description of the obverse depicting a veiled bust paired with the DIVA AVGVSTA FAVSTINA inscription, it's clear that he had a specimen of the coin illustrated, but misdescribed the reverse legend. I suspect the coin was worn or off-center and Sulzer was aware of the existence of the later type and erroneously reconstructed the reverse legend by conflating the two types. For a detailed discussion of the currus elephantorum issues, click here.

Sulzer #1318:



I can't illustrate this because I'm confused about the description of the coin in Sulzer's catalog. Here's the listing again.



The zeta refers to the size of the coin (sestertius-sized) and the entry is translated:

DIVAE FAVSTINAE. Bust of Faustina Mother.
AETERNITAS S C. Female figure, right hand covering the head, left hand holding a torch.

The only sestertius that resembles the reverse is the Ceres standing left, arranging drapery and holding long torch type illustrated below. The coin is scarce, and I do not have an example in my collection.

Possible candidate for Sulzer #1318: The AETERNITAS/Ceres standing left, arranging drapery and holding long torch reverse type, RIC 1100. Gorny & Mosch Giessener Münzhandlung, Online Auction 286, lot 4498, 29 March, 2022.

However, Sulzer clearly describes a dative case obverse inscription, DIVAE FAVSTINAE. There are at least two obverse sestertius dies known with this inscription, but they are paired with the Aeternitas seated left, holding phoenix on globe in extended right hand and transverse scepter in left hand reverse type (RIC 1404). There are no other reverse types known to be paired with the dative-case obverse dies.

Sestertius, RIC 1404, with the dative case DIVAE FAVSTINAE obverse inscription and the Aeternitas enthroned left, holding phoenix on globe in right hand and scepter in left reverse type. British Museum specimen, BMCRE 1606. Other examples include Roma Numismatics Limited, E-Sale 90, lot 1029, 18 November 2021 (sadly heavily tooled and smoothed); Bertolami Fine Arts, E-Live Auction 38, lot 705, 10 December 2016; Cohen cites a specimen belonging to M. Decauville; and Sally Rosenberg, Frankfurt, Auction 64, lot 1680, 19.June 1928.

Could Sulzer be describing a coin that has never been elsewhere noted -- pairing the obverse of RIC 1104 with the reverse of RIC 1100?



The DIVAE FAVSTINAE obverse and the Ceres standing left, arranging drapery and holding long torch reverse type (RIC 1100) were both issued during the same time frame, so there is nothing inherently impossible about the coin. Denarii were issued with the dative obverse inscription paired with the AETERNITAS/Juno (?), veiled and draped, standing facing, head right, drawing back veil with right hand and holding scepter in left hand reverse type (BMCRE 487) and with the CONSECRATIO/ Ceres standing facing, head left, raising arm and holding torch reverse type (Classical Numismatic Group, Inc., Electronic Auction 315, lot 437, 20 November 2013). So, there is precedent for using the dative obverse inscription with multiple reverse types.

The problem lies in 250 years separating us from Sulzer's description of the coin. We have no access to the specimen in question and so no way of confirming its condition. Was the obverse legend fully preserved? Is Sulzer simply in error? Or – a particularly important question regarding 18^th century collections – was the coin genuine and not a modern fake? The entry in Sulzer's catalog is important, and the coin is possible, but it can only remain as a footnote – "Modern confirmation required."

Sulzer #1319:

Faustina I, 138-140 CE.
Roman orichalcum sestertius, 23.82 g, 31.3 mm, 11 h.
Rome, 150 CE or later.
Obv: DIVA FAVSTINA, bare-headed and draped bust, right.
Rev: AETERNITAS S C, Female figure (Aeternitas? Juno?) veiled and draped, standing facing, head left, raising right hand and holding scepter in left hand.
Refs: RIC 1102a; BMCRE 1480-81; Cohen 28; Strack 1263; RCV 4605.

Next week, we will continue with page 159 of the catalog of Sulzer's collection.

In the meantime, feel free to post any comments, coins, or anything you feel is relevant!

Edited January 20 by Roman Collector
I have OCD

[Spaniard]

@Roman Collector..Another really interesting thread...You do have an amazing collection of Faustina I coins!

I only have this Sestertius in my collection and have it attributed as..

Diva Faustina Senior. Æ Sestertius (32mm, 21.19 g.)
Rome mint, struck under Antoninus Pius, circa AD 146-161.
Obv. DIVA FAVSTINA draped bust right.
Rev. AETERNITAS S-C seated left, holding scepter and globe surmounted by phoenix....RICIII #1103 (Antoninus Pius)
Reddish-brown patina.

 

On closer inspection the obverse legend is supposed to end FAVSTINA but there does seem to be a very large spacing between the 'I' and 'A' ....It seems to show FAVSTINAE ?....Any thoughts?

 

 

 

 

[Roman Collector]

37 minutes ago, Spaniard said:

On closer inspection the obverse legend is supposed to end FAVSTINA but there does seem to be a very large spacing between the 'I' and 'A' ....It seems to show FAVSTINAE ?....Any thoughts?

If so, it should also read DIVAE, which it doesn't. I think it's just bad die-engraving. But that's a nice example of that coin, with a lovely patina.

[LONGINUS]

I love the peacock imagery  🦚   !

 

[arizonarobin]

Yay, it's Friday! 😄

A very interesting read, especially about Sulzer #1318. I think it is possible that the coin is real- I guess until we find an example it will be a mystery.

Faustina Friday is becoming expensive to read- I added four Faustina I this week. 🥲

 

Sadly, I only have one from this page!

Sulzer #1307:

 

[Marsyas Mike]

I'm really enjoying your Sulzer project, @Roman Collector.  I have several of them in this post and the first one, but condition (and my photos) are mostly abominable.  I will share this one, since, IF I have attributed it correctly, you say it is scarce - RIC 1100 / Sulzer 1318 (maybe!): 

Faustina I            Æ Sestertius 5th Phase: Anniversary of Faustina’s Deification (c. 150-160 A.D.) Rome Mint DIVA FAVSTINA, draped bust right / AETE[RNIT]AS, S C, Ceres standing left holding torch and arranging draperies. RIC 1100 [scarce].  (22.81 grams / 30 mm) eBay Dec. 2018

[Roman Collector]

On 1/20/2023 at 10:20 AM, LONGINUS said:

I love the peacock imagery  🦚   !

 

Thank you for the kind words! Beautiful coin! I picked up a specimen of this coin from Harlan Berk many years ago when I was in my Valerian/Gallienus phase.

Mariniana, died AD 253.
Roman AR Antoninianus, 3.04 g, 23.5 mm, 5 h.
Rome mint, AD 253-257.
Obv: DIVAE MARINIANAE, veiled, draped bust r., on crescent.
Rev: CONSECRATIO, peacock standing facing, head l., tail in splendor.
Refs: RIC 3; Cohen 3; RCV 10067; Temeryazev & Makarenko 560; Eauze Hoard-1318 (23 spec.); Cunetio Hoard-646 (22 spec.).

On 1/20/2023 at 12:44 PM, arizonarobin said:

Yay, it's Friday! 😄

A very interesting read, especially about Sulzer #1318. I think it is possible that the coin is real- I guess until we find an example it will be a mystery.

Faustina Friday is becoming expensive to read- I added four Faustina I this week. 🥲

 

Sadly, I only have one from this page!

Sulzer #1307:

 

Thank you for the kind words! Congratulations on the new Faustina I acquisitions! I hope you post them soon! That's a lovely example of the peacock denarius.

On 1/20/2023 at 2:20 PM, Marsyas Mike said:

I'm really enjoying your Sulzer project, @Roman Collector.  I have several of them in this post and the first one, but condition (and my photos) are mostly abominable.  I will share this one, since, IF I have attributed it correctly, you say it is scarce - RIC 1100 / Sulzer 1318 (maybe!): 

Faustina I            Æ Sestertius 5th Phase: Anniversary of Faustina’s Deification (c. 150-160 A.D.) Rome Mint DIVA FAVSTINA, draped bust right / AETE[RNIT]AS, S C, Ceres standing left holding torch and arranging draperies. RIC 1100 [scarce].  (22.81 grams / 30 mm) eBay Dec. 2018

Fantastic! Looks like RIC 1100 to me!

[Marsyas Mike]

On 1/20/2023 at 5:16 AM, Roman Collector said:

Sulzer #1319:

Faustina I, 138-140 CE.
Roman orichalcum sestertius, 23.82 g, 31.3 mm, 11 h.
Rome, 150 CE or later.
Obv: DIVA FAVSTINA, bare-headed and draped bust, right.
Rev: AETERNITAS S C, Female figure (Aeternitas? Juno?) veiled and draped, standing facing, head left, raising right hand and holding scepter in left hand.
Refs: RIC 1102a; BMCRE 1480-81; Cohen 28; Strack 1263; RCV 4605.

I'm trying to keep up with your Sulzer postings, @Roman Collector but I'm not doing a very good job.   But I am enjoying them nonetheless! 

However, I do want to inflict this one on you because it is my first and only slabbed Faustina and it just came in.  Sulzer 1319/RIC 1102a, I think.  For some reason, slabs come up on eBay from time to time that cost about as much as the plastic - my only problem being that I don't want to break them out for crass financial reasons.  I already had this one, but this is an upgrade.  Here it is: 

Faustina I Æ Sestertius 5th Phase: Anniversary of Faustina’s Deification (c. 150-160 A.D.)   Rome Mint DIVA FAVSTINA, draped bust right / AETERNITAS S-C, Juno standing left with raised hand and holding sceptre.   RIC 1102a; Cohen RSC 28. (ANACS slab 7363026 VG 10) (? slabbed) / 29 x 28 mm) eBay Jan. 2023    $41.96 BO BIN

Die-Match Characterstics: Obv: D and A of DIVA wide. Rev: Sloppy S-C, R over hand. Die-Match Obverse: Jesús Vico, Subasta on-line 1; Lot 135; 16.09.2014

Here it is in its tomb - VG 10!  Gosh, I'd give it a chVG++ 12.7333!  

I've been trying to find die-matches to new purchases - this seems to be obverse, possibly reverse too?  Sometimes I think I'm talking myself into matches that aren't there:

 

 

Edited February 3 by Marsyas Mike
Sulzer correction.

[Roman Collector]

1 hour ago, Marsyas Mike said:

I'm trying to keep up with your Sulzer postings, @Roman Collector but I'm not doing a very good job.   But I am enjoying them nonetheless! 

However, I do want to inflict this one on you because it is my first and only slabbed Faustina and it just came in.  Sulzer 1319/RIC 1102a, I think.  For some reason, slabs come up on eBay from time to time that cost about as much as the plastic - my only problem being that I don't want to break them out for crass financial reasons.  I already had this one, but this is an upgrade.  Here it is: 

Faustina I Æ Sestertius 5th Phase: Anniversary of Faustina’s Deification (c. 150-160 A.D.)   Rome Mint DIVA FAVSTINA, draped bust right / AETERNITAS S-C, Juno standing left with raised hand and holding sceptre.   RIC 1102a; Cohen RSC 28. (ANACS slab 7363026 VG 10) (? slabbed) / 29 x 28 mm) eBay Jan. 2023    $41.96 BO BIN

Die-Match Characterstics: Obv: D and A of DIVA wide. Rev: Sloppy S-C, R over hand. Die-Match Obverse: Jesús Vico, Subasta on-line 1; Lot 135; 16.09.2014

Here it is in its tomb - VG 10!  Gosh, I'd give it a chVG++ 12.7333!  

I've been trying to find die-matches to new purchases - this seems to be obverse, possibly reverse too?  Sometimes I think I'm talking myself into matches that aren't there:

 

 

I think that is a double die match, indeed!