Half a die matrix for commemorative coins of Diva Faustina (c. AD 141 – 161) . Coins were struck for her during the reign of her husband, Antoninus Pius.
Photo: PAS CC By SA2.0
The diameter of the die between the beading is 19 mm, which indicates that it was intended for the production of silver denarii. The legend would have been [DI]VA FAVST[INA].Â
The irregular beading around the coin and the likelihood of an official die travelling from the mint in Rome, indicate that this was a die to produce forgeries. It appears to have been deliberately broken with a chisel. Only one other definite Roman coin die is recorded on the PAS database. That too was for forgeries and from the same period as this die. This find has been designated a Find of Note; National Importance.