Kibyra (AD 147-175) AE 35 - Faustina Jr.

Faustina Jr., wife of Marcus Aurelius. Augusta, 147-175 AD. AE35 (22.56g, 6h). Homonoia with Hierapolis. Claudius Philocles, magistrate. FAVCTEI NA CEBACTH, draped bust R, hair tied back in chignon / KIBVPATWN K IERAPOLITWN EPI KL FILOKLEOC OMONOIA, female figure, draped and veiled, holding two children, standing R before Zeus, enthroned L, who holds Pegasus in outstretched R hand and sceptre in L. EF, dark brown patina, flan flaws on reverse and edge. From the Garth R. Drewry Collection. Ex CNG 63 (5/2003), lot 1015.

The identity of the female on rev is uncertain in references; Franke & Nolle describe her as Leto, mother of Apollo and Artemis; BMC simple calls her a goddess. Neither describe Pegasus being held by Zeus, and this may be the clue to her identity and the relevance of the scene. Pegasus, born of Medusa and tamed by Bellerophon, later throws off his mortal master and ascends to heaven, where he becomes the horse of Zeus and symbol of immortality, associated with the apotheosis of semi-divine mortals. The veiled female figure may be Faustina herself, presenting to Zeus her twin children, Aelius Aurelius and Aurelius Antoninus, who died shortly after their birth in 149.