Surprise win in Frank Robinson auction (Sabina denarius)

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I too like the looks of her long hair obverses:


and am particularly fond of her veiled portraits:



But I must admit that sometimes she can look pretty intense:

 

Great coin I love those facial features and strong detailed reverse.

 

All nice coins but I can't go past the veiled look and alter, fantastic coin.

 

Congrats Rob, here's mine:



And a Sabina Concordia in copper:

 

Great capture Rob! I have always been happy with coins from Frank's auctions. They were always much better in-hand than featured.

Here is my Sabina:


RI
SABINA AVGVSTA
AR Denarius
3.18g
Head of Sabina right "SABINA AVGVSTA"
Venus standing right holding an apple and drawing a fold of drapery from her shoulder "VENERI GENETRICI"
RSC 73

 

Here is a FSR win some time ago:

(I have always been fascinated by the Oath Ceremony in Italic culture. This represents the main Italian Tribes revolting against the Romans.)


Marsic Confederation denarius 90-88 BCE Italia-Corfinium Oath Ceremony over pig Sear 227 SCARCE

 

Here is my only Sabina, purchased from Ken Dorney a few years ago:

 

Yes, I'm sure it'll look great in hand. For example:

Frank photo:



My photo:



And not only are these denarii of Sabina, these are Sabinas I have won at Frank's Auctions!

From FSR Auction 94, 5/5/15:





And from FSR Auction 107, 1/15/19:

 

Nice, looks similar to mine.


Sabina (128-136 A.D.)
AR Denarius
O: SABINA AVGVSTA, diademed and draped bust of Sabina right.
R: CONCOR-DIA AVG, Concordia seated left, holding patera and scepter.
Rome
18mm
3.33g
RIC 391; RSC 24
Ex A. Lynn Collection (Freeman & Sear E16), 89.

 

Over the 30+ years I have dealt with Frank, I have been dissatisfied with his text descriptions half a dozen times and returned the coins for refund. That is offset by the 300 or so coins I have kept and found pleasing as described. You do have to read his descriptions and learn what he means by 'crude' etc. I returned one in the last sale (lot 9) and wonder if he offered it to the underbidder and if that might have been one of you. On the other hand, I could say nice things about Frank all week before I would be tempted to praise his photo skills. They are improving. This is the way with many dealers large and small. I have dealt with some whose photos have been getting worse lately to the point that I have to apply my skills in reading images to suspect what the coin might really look like. Unfortunately, I am one who took better photos a few years ago than I do now. I am not sure what has caused my troubles but my recent images seem to emphasize faults to a greater degree and the coins I buy do not need my help to look second rate. I'd guess your 110% number is likely correct. I hope you will be happy with the coin.

This is the FSR auction coin I still have from our earliest contact (1987). He said the AE36 was a bit rough on the obverse (I lost the list so can't quote). It was. I liked it then and still do.


This is my favorite Sabina. I have a solid one but this fourree has the hair I prefer and a lot of colorful detail and corrosion that explains why no one else wanted it back in 1990. I paid a dollar more for it than I did for the Ptolemy shown above. I doubt I would do that again.

 

Here is mine VENERI.GENETRICI struck at Rome in 136 A.D.

 

Here is a Aelius purchase from Frank S. Robinson back on 5/17/1999

 

Sabina and Venus.. What a contrast ! My God..

 

Better picture

 

Nice catch my Lord !

Here's my Sabina


Sabina, Denarius Rome mint AD 129
SABINA AVGVSTA HADRIANI AVG P P , draped bust right
CONCORDIA AVG, Concordia seated left holding patera, resting on a statuette of Spes, Cornucopia beneath her seat.
3.22 gr
Ref : Cohen # 12, RCV # 3919

Q