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EGYPT, Alexandria. Antinoüs. Died AD 130. Æ Drachm (33mm, 22.18 g, 12h). Dated RY 19 of Hadrian (AD 134/5). Draped bust right, wearing hem-hem crown / Antinoüs, cloaked and holding caduceus cradled in his right arm, on horseback right; L I Θ (date) to right and below horse. Köln 1276; Dattari (Savio) 8004; K&G 34a.1; RPC III 6062; Emmett 1346.19; Blum 9. Brown-green patina with light deposits, minor porosity, some details enhanced. VF.
From the G. Savonarola Collection. Ex Classical Numismatic Group 75 (23 May 2007), lot 880.
One of the most remarkable cults of the ancient world was that which grew up around Antinoüs, a handsome youth from Claudiopolis in Bithynia who attracted the attention of the emperor Hadrian and became his constant companion. Hadrian apparently encountered Antinous during a visit to Bithynia circa AD 123 and brought him back to Rome for higher education. He became one of the emperor’s pages and, by AD 128, an important part of his traveling retinue. During the emperor’s tour of Egypt in October AD 130, Antinoüs fell into the Nile and drowned, 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 in the eastern Roman Empire.
The final winners of all CNG Feature Auction 129 lots will be determined during the live online sale that will be held on 13-14 May 2025. This lot is in Session Two, which will begin 13 May at 2 PM ET.
Winning bids are subject to a 22.5% buyer's fee for bids placed on this website and 25% for all others.
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