Classical Numismatic Group, LLC
Triton XXIV 19-20 Jan 2021
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EGYPT, Alexandria. Antinoüs. Died AD 130. Æ Drachm (33mm, 23.50 g, 12h). Dated RY 19 of Hadrian (AD 134/135). ANTINOOY HPωOC, draped bust right, wearing hem–hem crown / Antinoüs, cloaked and holding caduceus, on horseback right; L/IΘ (date) to right and below raised foreleg. Köln 1275-6 var. (placement of date); Dattari (Savio) 2081-2; K&G 34a.1; Blum 5; RPC III 6062; Emmet 1346.19. Dark green surfaces with light earthen deposits. Good VF. An attractive portrait.
From the Toliver Besson Collection. Ex Roma VIII (28 March 2014), lot 787; Roma Numismatics V (23 March 2013), lot 797.
One of the most remarkable cults of the ancient world was that which grew up around the youth Antinoüs, a boy from Claudiopolis in Bithynia, who attracted the attention of the emperor Hadrian. Hadrian apparently had little love for his wife Sabina, and chose instead to shower favors on the handsome youth, whom he apparently chanced upon during a visit to Bithynia. During the emperor's tour of Egypt in October AD 130, Antinoüs fell into the Nile and drowned, an event resulting in suspicions of suicide or ritual murder. The distraught Hadrian had his favorite immediately deified, and the worship of Antinoüs became an important facet of the imperial cult.
From the Toliver Besson Collection. Ex Roma VIII (28 March 2014), lot 787; Roma Numismatics V (23 March 2013), lot 797.
One of the most remarkable cults of the ancient world was that which grew up around the youth Antinoüs, a boy from Claudiopolis in Bithynia, who attracted the attention of the emperor Hadrian. Hadrian apparently had little love for his wife Sabina, and chose instead to shower favors on the handsome youth, whom he apparently chanced upon during a visit to Bithynia. During the emperor's tour of Egypt in October AD 130, Antinoüs fell into the Nile and drowned, an event resulting in suspicions of suicide or ritual murder. The distraught Hadrian had his favorite immediately deified, and the worship of Antinoüs became an important facet of the imperial cult.