Faustina the Elder Coin Pendant,Cast From a 141-161AD Silver Denarius, avail in Silver and Gold

No woman better embodies the idea of the mother than Faustina the elder who was famous in her own time - circa 100 - 140AD - the wife of the Emperor of Rome who was revered as a woman for the children. Not only did she have four of her own, but she devoted her time to charitable work for the poor, educating children, and particularly girls.

Known for her beauty and her distinctive hairstyle of braids pulled into a bun, this image is burned into history because of her untimely death. Her husband, Emperor Antoninus Pius was distraught when she died. Her had the senate deify her (hence the title Diva Faustina) and he built a temple in her memory - of which some still exists in Rome - and tour guides tell the love story of this pair. He also issued a large commemorative coinage in her memory - and this pendant is made from one of those actual coins that we have had cast into gold and silver.

Your pendant was made from an original silver denarius, made in the memory of Faustina Senior by her still grieving husband, Roman Emperor Antoninus Pius, one of the Five Good Emperors. Part of the third coinage, this was cast in silver at some point between 141AD and 161AD (at least 1863 years ago!) You can still clearly see the braids in her bun and the wording "DIVA" on the left and "FAUSTINA" on the right. 

The back of the pendant features the Goddess Aeternitas or Providentia who was the embodiment of eternity or foresight - with the use of this Goddess to highlight Faustina's goddess like qualities. On the coin it has "AETER" "NITAS" in split writing around the figure who is holding the globe in her right hand and her veil in her left as it cascades from her head. 

Each pendant has a hand made, individual bail - so no two are the same - you can see in the pictures that they are slightly different widths and profiles. Should you wish a different bail - please get in touch. 

Available in both 9ct Gold and Silver 

In the Sterling Silver option - you can also order this with or without a chain - chains are brand new sterling silver curb chains in two lengths - 45cm or 50cm.

In ordering one of these, please allow 3 weeks to have this ready for posting. Also please know that the silver ones will come in the high polished variety, but the patina that you see on some of the pendants will build over time.

Particulars:

Weight between 3.8g and 4.2g for silver and 3.7g and 4.0g for 9ct yellow gold

Coin approx 18 x 16mm whole pendant approx 18 x 24-24.5mm x 2.35 (including bail) bail opening 4.5 - 6mm x 3.3- 3.5mm

Hallmarks - none

Condition - These are replica pendants of the coin - not the original coin. Clear wear to the coin that was from the original. Each pendant hand finished. Patina will build over time - these will arrive in the polished variety. Please be aware that on this coins there is a very rustic edge to it and the gash on the top right hand side is a mark from the original coin that we have left to show its age and lifetime of love.