Numismatica Ars Classica
Auction 135 21 Nov 2022
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The Roman Empire. Sabina, wife of Hadrian.
Diva Sabina. Aureus 138, AV 7.14 g. DIVA AVG – SABINA Veiled and wreathed bust r. Rev. CON – SE – CRATIO Sabina riding eagle r., holding sceptre. C 28. BMC Hadrian 955. RIC II.3, 2603. Calicó 1433 (these dies).
Extremely rare. An interesting and fascinating issue with a portrait
of excellent style. Minor marks, otherwise very fine
Oftentimes the portrait similarity of emperors and their wives is uncanny. This might be excused in the case of siblings, or parents and their children, but in the case of husbands and wives it cannot be ascribed merely to family resemblance. On this aureus the head of Sabina is precisely Hadrian, except for the absence of a beard. After an unpleasant thirty-six year marriage to Hadrian, who merely tolerated his royal bride, Sabina died in 136 or 137, and was deified. Here Sabina is shown ascending to the heavens upon Jupiter's eagle, a sceptre at her side, holding aloft a length of cloth. Deified empresses were usually shown riding to the heavens on Juno's peacock, but other times, such as on coins of Sabina, Plotina, Marciana and Faustina Junior, they rest upon an eagle.
Diva Sabina. Aureus 138, AV 7.14 g. DIVA AVG – SABINA Veiled and wreathed bust r. Rev. CON – SE – CRATIO Sabina riding eagle r., holding sceptre. C 28. BMC Hadrian 955. RIC II.3, 2603. Calicó 1433 (these dies).
Extremely rare. An interesting and fascinating issue with a portrait
of excellent style. Minor marks, otherwise very fine
Oftentimes the portrait similarity of emperors and their wives is uncanny. This might be excused in the case of siblings, or parents and their children, but in the case of husbands and wives it cannot be ascribed merely to family resemblance. On this aureus the head of Sabina is precisely Hadrian, except for the absence of a beard. After an unpleasant thirty-six year marriage to Hadrian, who merely tolerated his royal bride, Sabina died in 136 or 137, and was deified. Here Sabina is shown ascending to the heavens upon Jupiter's eagle, a sceptre at her side, holding aloft a length of cloth. Deified empresses were usually shown riding to the heavens on Juno's peacock, but other times, such as on coins of Sabina, Plotina, Marciana and Faustina Junior, they rest upon an eagle.