Roman, minted in Rome
Aureus (Coin) Portraying Empress Sabina
INV-5638
Roman, minted in Rome134, issued by Hadrian
Aureus (Coin) Portraying Empress Sabina
Roman, minted in Rome →hadrianicancientroman (ancient, style or period)coinancient art
Date
134, issued by Hadrian
Medium
Gold
Dimensions
Diam.: 1.9 cm (3/4 in.)
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Location
Chicago, IL
Credit
Gift of Martin A. Ryerson
The arranged marriage between Hadrian (76–138; reigned 117–138) and Sabina (83–136/37), who is portrayed
on this gold coin, took place around 100, but ancient writers reported that it was not a loving relationship. They were childless, and although Hadrian granted Sabina many of the honors usually accorded to an empress, he did not mint coins with her portrait until much later in his reign, around 128.
The front (obverse) of this coin portrays the bust of Sabina, draped, wearing a diadem; her hair is waved up in a crest. The back (reverse) depicts the goddess Juno standing to the left, veiled, with a patera in her right hand extended over a peacock, her left hand rests on a scepter.
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