EGYPT. Alexandria. Antinoüs. Died A.D. 130. Æ drachm. 22.82 gm. 33 mm. Struck under Hadrian, A.D. 134-137 (uncertain RY). His draped bust left, wearing hem-hem crown / Antinoüs (as Hermes) on horseback right, holding caduceus. K&G 34a.5. RPC III 6228. Emmett 1346. Fine; green and brown patina; underlying corrosion and some short edge splits, some very light tooling; overall clear with a fine style bust. Very rare.

Born in Bithynia in A.D. 111 and introduced to Hadrian in A.D. 123, Antinoüs later became a close companion to the emperor. He was taken along as part of Hadrian's retinue during the emperor's tour of the empire, during which he drowned in the Nile in October A.D. 130 (whether accidentally, as a human sacrifice, or suicide, multiple theories have been put forth). Following his death Hadrian deified Antinoüs, and decreed that a city (Antinoöpolis) be built at the site of his death. Over 30 cities issued bronze coinage bearing his image, and the cult organised for his worship spread throughout the empire, continuing to be active long after Hadrian's death.