Numismatica Ars Classica
Auction 135 21 Nov 2022
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The Roman Empire. Sabina, wife of Hadrian.
Aureus 126-137, AV 7.19 g. SABINA – AVGVSTA Diademed and draped bust r., hair in long plait behind neck. Rev. IVNONI – REGINAE Juno standing l., holding patera and long sceptre; at her feet l., peacock looking backwards. C 46. BMC Hadrian 937. RIC II.3, 2549. Calicó 1435.
Rare and in exceptional condition for the issue. A superb portrait of excellent style
well-struck in high relief. Good extremely fine
Ex Sternberg 15, 1987, 639; NAC 4, 1991, 366 and NAC 41, 2007, 82 sales
While Sabina's mother, Matidia, may have been quite fond of Hadrian, the same cannot be said of his wife. Their marriage essentially guaranteed Hadrian as successor to Trajan, but it did not bring with it domestic bliss. Hadrian was a flagrant adulterer, both with married women and handsome youths such as his favourite companion, the Bithynian youth Antinous. Hadrian, however, would not tolerate such behaviour from his wife; in 121 or 122 he dismissed his praetorian prefect Septicius Clarus and the historian Suetonius, both court officials with whom Sabina had developed close relationships. After an unpleasant thirty-six year marriage, Sabina died in 136 or 137. It was widely rumoured that her husband, knowing that his death was not far off, either poisoned her or forced her to commit suicide.
Graded Ch AU* Strike 5/5 Surface 5/5 , NGC certification number 6556714-014
Aureus 126-137, AV 7.19 g. SABINA – AVGVSTA Diademed and draped bust r., hair in long plait behind neck. Rev. IVNONI – REGINAE Juno standing l., holding patera and long sceptre; at her feet l., peacock looking backwards. C 46. BMC Hadrian 937. RIC II.3, 2549. Calicó 1435.
Rare and in exceptional condition for the issue. A superb portrait of excellent style
well-struck in high relief. Good extremely fine
Ex Sternberg 15, 1987, 639; NAC 4, 1991, 366 and NAC 41, 2007, 82 sales
While Sabina's mother, Matidia, may have been quite fond of Hadrian, the same cannot be said of his wife. Their marriage essentially guaranteed Hadrian as successor to Trajan, but it did not bring with it domestic bliss. Hadrian was a flagrant adulterer, both with married women and handsome youths such as his favourite companion, the Bithynian youth Antinous. Hadrian, however, would not tolerate such behaviour from his wife; in 121 or 122 he dismissed his praetorian prefect Septicius Clarus and the historian Suetonius, both court officials with whom Sabina had developed close relationships. After an unpleasant thirty-six year marriage, Sabina died in 136 or 137. It was widely rumoured that her husband, knowing that his death was not far off, either poisoned her or forced her to commit suicide.
Graded Ch AU* Strike 5/5 Surface 5/5 , NGC certification number 6556714-014