Lot 2438

Description

Roman Provincial Medallion, Ionia, Antinous, in bronze (38mm; 34.37g), Smyrna Mint, struck after October 130 A.D. under reign of Hadrian, obverse, head of Antinous left, reverse, ram standing to right, missing is the caduceus in front of the ram. A quality copy, extremely fine.

Ex D.G.L.Worland Collection.

Antinous was a handsome Bithynian youth noticed by Hadrian in AD123 on one of his travels and taken under his wing. They developed a relationship and Antinous quickly became Hadrian's favourite. The relationship began to falter in AD130 and while on a trip down the Nile with Hadrian and his retinue, Antinous fell into the river and drowned. It was rumoured that Hadrian killed him but suicide and accident are equally possible explanations.