Medals have done more to record the bounty of these princes, than history; for the coins of Antoninus make mention of eight largesses bestowed by him upon the people, none of which are enumerated by Capitolinus. "He gave," saith Marcus Aurelius, "games, and shews, and largesses by weight and measure, not from ostentation, nor with a view to popularity, but to discharge a debt exacted by custom."

CCXXIII.

Obverse. ANTONINVS AVG. PIVS. P. P. TR. P. XXII. (Antoninus Augustus Pius, Pater Patriæ, Tribunitia potestate, vigesimum-secundum. An expressive laurelled head of Antoninus, with a bare neck. This medal is very thinly patinated, but is in excellent condition; it was purchased of Mr. Mathew Young, in 1825. Reverse. TEMPL. DIVI. AVG. REST. (Templum Divi Augusti restitutum.) On the exergum COS. IIII. (Consul quartum.) In the field S. C. An octostyle temple, richly decorated with sculpture. In the centre are two sedent statues, whence it is inferred to be the fane dedicated to Rome and Augustus. See No. VI. Two togated citizens appear on the plinth of steps. We have here a circumstance unnoticed by the historians of this reign; and by this, together with the repairs of the temple of Augustus and Livia inscribed Pietas, as well as those of Venus Felix and Roma Eterna, Antoninus manifested the qualities which placed him even before Numa, and justified his appellation of PIUS,—a name held in such veneration as to be assumed by succeeding emperors. There is also medallic evidence that he bore the title of "Optimus Princeps," though history does not mention it.

I have a large-brass medal of this Emperor inscribed S. P. Q. R. AMPLIATORI CIVIVM, but it has so suspicious a look that I cannot vouch for its authenticity;—yet when, in addition to the abovementioned restorations, we recollect his other public works, we cannot deny to Antoninus the agnomen of "Enlarger."

CCXXIV.

Obverse. DIVVS ANTONINVS. The head of the Emperor, with a grave countenance, uulaureated, and the neck bare. This medal is densely coated with a deep-brown ærugo, and is in the highest state of preservation; it was presented to me by Consul-General Warrington, at Tripoli, in 1816. Reverse. CONSECRATIO. In the field S. C. A magnificent Rogus, or funeral pile, of four stories which decrease towards the summit; it is richly decorated with drapery, images, and festoons; and is surmounted by a triumphal quadriga,-verifying the words of Dio-in summa ejus currus inauratus, quo imperator olim vehebatur, collocatus erat." Capitolinus tells us the senate were unanimous in voting this consecration, and that every possible honour was paid to the memory of a prince so remarkable for piety, clemency, and wisdom, and who had never dipped his hands in the blood of a citizen: qualities which screened him from Julian's sarcasms. The historian adds,-"Periit anno septuagesimo, sed quasi adolescens desideratus est." CCXXV.

Obverse. DIVVS ANTONINVS. The bare head of Antoninus, as in the last. This medal is covered with a grass-green ærugo, and in good condition; it was purchased from Mr. Till, in 1826. Reverse. S. C. (Senatus Consultu,) on the exergum. A colossal sedent statue of the Emperor, holding a laurel branch in his right hand, and a hasta pura in his left; it is placed on a magnificent car drawn by four elephants in stately trappings, and mounted by their guides. See Nos. VIII, and CXLVI.

This is another mark of respect for the obsequies of Antoninus. The ancients were so scrupulous respecting these rites, that Chabrias, the Athenian admiral, having defeated the Lacedemonian fleet, instead of pursuing the flying foe, chose rather to let the enemies of his country escape, than neglect gathering up the bodies of the slain, fearing lest the superstition of the people should lead them to destroy him, as had before been the case with the conquerors in the sea-fight at Arginussæ. Priam braved the hostile camp to recover the corse of his son; Cimon

redeemed his father's body from an enemy's prison at the price of his own liberty; and Horace makes the ghost of Archytas-the surveyor of Sea, Earth, and Heaven-thus implore a passing sailor

"At tu, Nauta, vaga ne parce malignus arenæ,

Ossibus et capiti inhumato

Particulam dare

Quanquam festinas, non est mora longa, licebit
Injecto ter pulvere curras."

CCXXVI.

Obverse. DIVVS ANTONINVS. The bare head of Antoninus, with a fixed cast of features, and the neck naked. This medal is in excellent preservation, and varnished with brown patina; it was procured at Pantellaria, in 1817.

Reverse. DIVO PIO. In the field S. C. An altar like that of Augustus, in second-brass, which is inscribed Providentia, and also like the Ara Pacis of Nero, but less decorated. In the centre is a grated door resembling one to a similar structure among the tombs recently exposed to view at Pompeii. This altar is another symbol of the adoration rendered to the defunct Emperor," Meruit et flaminem, et circenses, et lemplum, et sodales Antoninianos.”

CCXXVII.

Obverse. DIVVS ANTONINVS. The profile of the deified Emperor, with fixed features, the hair cut close, and the head unlaureated. This medal is covered with a light-brown patina, and is in the highest conservation; it was procured at Patras, in 1820.

Reverse. DIVO PIO. In the field S. C. The celebrated Antonine column, with a colossal statue of the Emperor on its summit, and its base surrounded by a rail-work. This column was erected by Marcus Aurelius in the field of Mars, in imitation of that of Trajan, to which, however, it was inferior in all respects except that of height. See Nos. CXXXVII and CXXXVIII. The dimensons of this monument are thus given by Publius Victor: "Templum Divi, cum Coclide columnâ, quæ est alta pedes 175, habet intus gradus 206, et fenestellas 56." It still exists in situ, though it has been greatly damaged by fire; and Pope Sixtus Vth, having placed St. Peter on Trajan's pillar, set up St. Paul on this. The outside is spirally encrusted with the wars of Aurelius against the Marcomanni, whence some antiquaries think it can hardly be the one represented on the medal; and they would fain substitute a plain granite pillar found about a century ago. But there was surely nothing inconsistent in the Philosopher's dedicating the details of his career to his august predecessor.

A very remarkable part of these sculptures ought not to be passed over unnoticed, the figure of Jupiter Pluvius sending down rain to the famished soldiers of Aurelius-who are holding up their mouths, bucklers, and helmets to catch the shower-and at the same time, darting thunderbolts upon their enemies. This has been hailed by some ecclesiastical writers as an unequivocal confirmation of the story of the Christian Legion, and the efficacy of their prayers for assistance. (See De Sarmatis of M. Aurelius.) Yet the heathens attributed the same miracle to the piety of their Emperor. It is singular that M. Dacier, among several quotations upon this subject, has taken no notice either of this figure upon the column, or of the beautiful passage in which Claudian paints the havoc which the lightning made among the barbarian warriors, and says

"Chaldæa mago seu carmina ritu

Armavere deos; seu, quod reor, omne Tonantis
Obsequium Marci mores potuere mereri."

FAUSTINA SENIOR.

Annia Galeria Faustina, the daughter of Annius Verus and Rupilia Faustina, was sister to Ælius Cæsar, and aunt to Marcus Aurelius. She was born A. D. 105, and was married to Antoninus Pius before his adoption by Hadrian. She was honoured with the title of Augusta in the first year of her husband's reign, but did not long enjoy her imperial dignities, as she died A. D. 141 ;—when, notwithstanding her dissolute life she was, at the express request of Antoninus, honoured with divine worship,-games were instituted to her memory, and her statue was carried among those of the other deities, at the Ludi Circenses.

Faustina was a woman of singular beauty, cheerful disposition, and insinuating manners, but as licentious in her conduct as her brother; nor did her elevation to rank check her vicious propensities. Antoninus was not unacquainted with her irregularities; but as he found it impossible to reform her, he did all that lay in his power to keep her disorders concealed from the public eye, and maintain the credit of the throne. To her other vices she added covetousness, and was thereby led to chide the Emperor for his generosity to the indigent citizens.

The infamous behaviour of Faustina, does not seem to have lessened the regret of the good Antoninus at her death; whence it may be presumed that he held to the maxim" whilst there is life there is hope." This regard is particularly shewn by a more abundant mintage to her apotheosis, than was made to the memory of any Empress before or after. From this cause her medals are very common in all metals and modules, except third brass, and are therefore collected with a strict attention to high preservation. Of her gold coins the most highly prized is one with the legend" Puella Faustinianæ," as it commemorates the establishment of an asylum for orphans, in her honour.

CCXXVIII.

Obverse. FAVSTINA AVG. ANTONINI AVG. PII. P. P. (Faustina Augusta, Antonini Augusti (scilicet uxor) Pii, Patris Patria.) The portrait of Faustina with a beautiful countenance, and her hair tastefully braided round the crown of her head-in a fashion which still exists among the women of Gaeta, This medal and Concordia, are the only large-brass specimens of this Empress that I have ever seen, which were struck before her apotheosis;it is in singularly high preservation, and covered with a deep-brown patina; it was found by one of the Arabs whom I employed in excavating Leptis Magna, in 1816.

Reverse. VENERI AVGVSTAE. In the field S. C. A soft and easy figure of Venus standing,-a compliment to the personal beauty of Faustina. She is attired in light robes, and a superb head-dress; with her right hand she lifts the sacred veil, and holds the mystic apple in her left. See CXC.

CCXXIX.

Obverse. DIVA AVGVSTA FAVSTINA. The head of Faustina, with her hair braided, and bound in an anadema,-the neck graceful, and her shoulders covered with a robe. This medal is in

superior condition, and thinly coated with yellow patina; it was presented to me at Gibraltar,

in 1821. Reverse. EX. S. C. (Ex Senatus Consultu,) on the exergum. A magnificent thensa drawn by

two harnessed mules, in token of the deification of the Empress. The body of the car is orna-
mented with rich sculpture, and the tilt, or roof, is of a singular construction. See Nos. XVII.
and XXXII.
CCXXX.

Obverse. DIVA AVGVSTA FAVSTINA. A handsome profile of the Empress, with the hair as on the last. This medal is in excellent condition, but without patina; it was purchased at Mr. Trattle's sale, in 1832.

Reverse. EX. S. C. (Ex Senatus Consultu,) on the exergum. A statue of Faustina seated on a throne, which is placed upon a richly decorated four-wheeled car, and drawn by two elephants with trappings and guides. The Empress is attired and veiled as Ceres, with a wand and some ears of wheat; this was a favorite deity, for we find her on the medals of Faustina under various forms, some with one torch, and others with two, in allusion to the search after Proserpine. This medal commemorates the funeral pomp which attended the obsequies of Faustina, and was struck by a particular decree of the senate.

CCXXXI.

Obverse. DIVA FAVSTINA. A beautiful head of Faustina, with a slope of neck which confers grace upon the bust; the shoulders being neatly covered with drapery. This medal is in perfect preservation, and is varnished with a bright brown patina; it was procured at Corinth, in May, 1820.

Reverse. AETERNITAS. In the field S. C. A standing robed female, who is holding her garment out with her left hand, and with her right supports a glohe, on which stands a phoenix with a radiated head. This device was struck in compliment to the supposed immortality of Faustina; and it is one of about twenty of this Empress, under the semblance of different goddesses, which I have had, with the legend of Eternitas, or Augusta.

Though Eternity was deified, we find neither temples nor altars dedicated to her; but there are abundance of medals in her honour. She is usually represented as a female either standing or sitting, with a globe, because, as Manilius says, there is "No end and no beginning in an orb." Sometimes she holds a radiated head for Sol in one hand, and a crescent for Luna in the other, it being reckoned that, as they seemed to perish every night and renew themselves every morning, their course would never have an end ;-and some of the figures are veiled to denote that eternity is inscrutable. But the phoenix was the most popular attribute of this goddess; for it was believed to spring out of its own ashes, and so to be in a manner immortal; and it was decorated with a nimbus, or circle of rays round its head, to shew its fancied lineage from the sun. Claudian says—

"A god-like bird, whose endless round of years
Outlasts the stars, and tires the circling spheres :-

Begot by none himself, begetting none,

Sire of himself he is, and of himself the son;

His life in fruitful death renews its date,

And kind destruction but prolongs his fate."
CCXXXII.

Obverse. DIVA FAVSTINA. A fine head of Faustina, with beautiful features, and the bust robed. This medal is covered with a grass-green patina, and is in very pure condition; it was brought to me by an Arab, in the Wadi Zemzem, near Ghirzah, in 1817.

Reverse. AETERNITAS. On the exergum S. C. A splendid two-wheeled elephant biga, on which is a sedent statue of the defunct Empress; and over it a canopy supported on four columns. She is represented veiled and holding the sacred wand, which, together with the animals, are emblems of immortality. See No. VIII.

CCXXXIII.

Obverse. DIVA AVGVSTA FAVSTINA. The profile of Faustina, with the hair dressed and the bosom covered, as before. This medal is in very good preservation, and incrusted with brown patina; it was presented to me by Signor Carlo Garibaldi, at Alghero, in Sardinia, in 1824. Reverse. CONSECRATIO. On the exergum S. C. A stately rogus, ornamented with columns, tapestry, and festoons, and surmounted with a bigated car. From its magnitude and magnificence, this has more the appearance of a mausoleum than a funeral pyre.

CCXXXIV.

Obverse. DIVA AVGVSTA FAVSTINA. The head of the Empress, with the usual expression, but veiled. This medal is in good preservation, though unpatinated; it was purchased from Mr. Young, in 1826. Reverse. CONSECRATIO. On the lower verge S. C. The Empress ascending to heaven, on the back of a monstrous eagle; she holds a sceptre, and the floating veil over her head is marked with stars. The frequent recurrence of this device proves that, the "King of Birds" was not so exclusively assigned to the apotheosis of emperors, as hath been asserted. See No. CXLV. This was closely copied on a medal struck in Germany, in 1832, to the memory of Goëthe. CCXXXV.

Obverse. DIVA FAVSTINA. An expressive veiled head of Faustina, with the bust robed. This medal is entirely coated with a deep-green patina, and is in fair preservation; it was found at Colchester, in 1825, and was presented to me by my friend Captain Henry Downes, R. N. of that town.

Reverse. AETERNITAS. On the exergum S. C. A hexastyle temple, with a sedent deity in the adytum; it is inclosed in a railing, and the pediment and apex are adorned with statues and sculpture. This commemorates the extravagant honours paid to Faustina, when deified; and among the many testimonies of this strange consecration, none are more remarkable than the temple here represented, the original of which is still extant, with a corroborative inscription as legible as if chiselled yesterday. It stands on the margin of the Campo Vaccino, as the site of the Forum is called, and is now the church of San Lorenzo in Miranda. The portico, which flanked the Via Sacra, consists of six columns of Cipollino marble in front, and two in depth; it was formerly buried more than half the height of these columns, but they have now been again laid open to their bases. This temple was at first dedicated to Faustina only, but on the demise of Antoninus, became common to both.

GALERIUS ANTONINUS.

Marcus Galerius Antoninus, the son of Antoninus Pius and Faustina, appears to have died in infancy, before the adoption of his father. This child has been barely mentioned by historians, and entirely overlooked by the Latin Moneyers; but the Greeks struck a few medals in his honour, and from their love of adulation, a capital likeness of the youth has descended to us, as well as his name, which otherwise would have been lost.

CCXXXVI.

Obverse. M. TAAƐPIOC ANTONINOC AYTOKPATOPOC ANTUNEINOY YIOC. (Marcus Galerius Antoninus, Imperatoris Antonini filius.) A beautiful infantine head of Galerius, with curly hair and robed shoulders. This rare medal, which is in the best condition, and coated with brown patina, was purchased at Mr. Trattle's sale, in 1832, where it formed lot

S