Pre-Long Beach Auction #91

Faustina Junior, wife of Marcus Aurelius. Gold Aureus (7.27g) Sharpness of EF. Struck at Rome, AD 146-176. Draped bust of the empress facing right wearing latest coiffure. Reverse: VENVS FELIX. Venus seated left, holding in right hand statuettes of the Three Graces on a base, in left hand, transverse scepter. RIC III 732, 272; Calicó 2099. A very rare aureus, apparently only the second specimen that exists. We note a scrape on the reverse letters ar VEN. Lusterous Sharpness of Extremely Fine or better.
Another example, from different dies, Ex NAC 52, 2009, lot 470. Estimated Value $4,000 - 5,000

Ex Hess-Divo 308, Oct. 24, 2007, lot 218.