Lot 5034. HADRIAN, A.D. 117-138. Gold Aureus

This remarkable type depicts a youthful portrait of Hadrian with sideburns rather than the full beard normally depicted on his portraiture. The reverse displays a very artistic depiction of the portraits of the Emperor's adoptive parents, Trajan and the Empress Plotina. The reverse description "DIVIS PARENTIBVS" leaves little to interpretation as a deification issue of the emperors late adoptive parents. Both parents are depicted with stars above their portraits as a symbol of their deification. This tradition dates back to the reign of the emperor Augustus.

Early in the reign of Augustus when Halley's comet passed over Rome, Augustus claimed it to be the spirit of Julius Caesar entering the heavens. The tradition of placing a star or comet on deification issues became somewhat regular occurrence as it appears on issues of August deification issue for Julius Caesar and Caligula issues deifying Augustus among others. Halley's comet over the years has been associated with several historical events, including the battle of Hastings. Some theologians even believe the appearance of Halley's comet may explain the biblical story of the "Star of Bethlehem".

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Lot 5384. SABINA (WIFE OF HADRIAN). AV Aureus

RIC-418b; Calico-1433 (this coin); Jameson-pl.XXI #441 (this coin). "DIVA AVG. SABINA." Her bust draped veiled and in wreath of corn-ears right; Reverse: "CONSECRATIO" Sabina holding sceptre with open scarf flowing behind her, borne aloft by an eagle right carrying a sceptre. VERY RARE deification issue of Sabina. Beautiful and stunning portrait style that was clearly engraved by an artist whose skill level was well above that of the average engraver. The reverse of this type depicts the late empress ascending into the heavens on the back of Jupiter's eagle. Very attractive old collection toning with hues of orange and purple. A remarkable piece with excellent provenance.

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Lot 6074. NERO, A.D. 54-68. Sestertius

RIC-394. Laureate head of Nero right; Reverse: Nero bare-headed and togate seated right on curule chair on high platform on left, before him, an official seated right on another lower platform handing congiarium to togate citizen mounting steps and with boy attendant, in background on left, Minerva standing facing head left holding owl and spear and on lower level Liberalitas standing facing head left holding up tessera. Bold, well rendered portrait. Full legends, dark brown patina. Lightly smoothed.

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