Aureus of Hadrian, Emperor of Rome from Rome Artist: Unknown
Mint: Rome
Honorand: Vibia Sabina, Empress of Rome, ca. 88–137
Ruler: Hadrian, Emperor of Rome, A.D. 76–138, ruled 117–38

A.D. 135

Numismatics

By appointment, Pratt Study Room


Sabina, the long-suffering wife of Hadrian, preceded her husband in death by about two years, and continuing a recently established tradition, Hadrian saw to her deification. The ancients disagreed about the meaning of the word Divus (for males) or Diva (for females), but it seems to have referred to deities created by men, in this case by a vote of the Senate doubtless managed by the emperor himself. The coin shows Sabina being transported from the earth on the wings of an eagle, recalling the first deification of Julius Caesar, from whose pyre an eagle was said to have emerged. The coin is very rare.

Medium

Gold

Dimensions

7.27 g, 6:00, 19.4 mm

Credit Line

Promised gift of Ben Lee Damsky

Loan number

ILE2013.17.96

Geography

Made in Rome, Italy

Culture

Roman

Period

2nd century

Classification

Numismatics

Disclaimer

Note: This electronic record was created from historic documentation that does not necessarily reflect the Yale University Art Gallery’s complete or current knowledge about the object. Review and updating of records is ongoing.

Numismatics

Obverse Description

Obverse Description: DIVA AVG SABINA Draped, diademed and veiled bust right

Reverse Description

Reverse Description: CONSECRATIO Eagle with scepter in claws flying right, head turned back, carrying Sabina seated left holding scepter, veil billowing over her head
Object copyright
No Copyright - United States
Additional information

Object/Work type

aurei, coins, histories (visual works), money

Technical metadata and APIs

IIIF

Open in Mirador

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