Decapolis, ABILA Faustina Jr AD 147/175/6 AE22

An appealing and well-preserved provincial bronze of Faustina Junior, the influential wife of Marcus Aurelius, struck at the Decapolis city of Abila during the height of Roman imperial power in the East. The obverse displays a refined draped bust of the empress facing right, her coiffure rendered in elegant detail, framed by a clear and legible Greek legend proclaiming her title as Augusta.

The reverse presents a distinctly local type—often featuring Athena standing or a symbolic agricultural motif such as grapes or cornucopia—reflecting the prosperity and cultural identity of Abila within the Roman Near East. These civic designs underscore the blending of Greco-Roman traditions with regional heritage, a hallmark of Decapolis coinage.

Struck circa AD 147–175/6, this coin belongs to a scarcer series than many neighboring Decapolis issues, with Abila pieces particularly sought after by collectors of Biblical and Levantine history. Examples in this quality are not commonly encountered, with better specimens commanding strong premiums in the market.

This piece stands out as a choice Very Fine example, boasting a well-centered strike, strong portrait detail, and pleasing overall eye appeal. Its combination of historical significance, regional rarity, and aesthetic quality makes it a compelling acquisition for collectors of Roman provincial coinage or ancient Near Eastern history.