Faustina was born into an important family with royal connections, her mother being the aunt of the emperor Marcus Aurelius. She was married to the remarkable Antoninus Pius, who later became one of the most impressive of Roman rulers. When he assumed the throne, Faustina was herself declared Augusta. Pius was apparently very devoted to his wife, even founding a college for young girls in her honor (Puellae Faustinianae). She was deified after her death, and an extensive series of coins was issued in her honor; including this one as a commemorative issue. She is shown facing right with the legend DIVA, an attribute she acquired in the third tribunate of her husband. On the reverse is the standing goddess Aeternitas (eternity) facing left holding a globe. The love and respect Antoninus felt for his wife is clearly evident in this coin, held forever in its lovely setting.