| The Coin Cabinet > Ancients Auction 26 | Auction date: 11 September 2025 |
| Lot number: 528 Price realized: 600 GBP (Approx. 813 USD / 693 EUR) Note: Prices do not include buyer's fees. | Show similar lots on CoinArchives Find similar lots in upcoming auctions on  |
| Lot description: ROMAN PROVINCIAL. EPIRUS, NICOPOLIS. Antinous (famous relationship of Hadrian). Bronze AE18, died 130 AD. Obv: ΑΝΤΙΝΟΟΝ ΘЄΟΝ, bare-headed, three-quarter length bust of Antinous, right. Rev: ΝЄΙΚΟΠΟΛЄωϹ, crescent and eight-rays star. Very Fine; a delicate design of profound interest. The relationship between the Roman Emperor Hadrian and Antinous, a Greek youth, has long been interpreted as one of deep affection and possibly romantic love. After Antinous' mysterious death by drowning in the Nile in 130 CE, Hadrian mourned him profoundly, deifying him and founding cities and cults in his honour. The issuance of coinage depicting Antinous is especially significant - it marked an extraordinary break from Roman norms, where only members of the imperial family or deities were typically honoured in this way. These coins serve as tangible symbols of Hadrian’s personal grief, affection, and the divine status he bestowed upon Antinous, immortalizing their bond across the empire. Ex the stock of 'Kölner Münzkabinett', purchased through MA-shops. Reference: RPC III-532; Blum pg. 34, 6; BMC Thessaly -; cf. SNG Copenhagen-67. Rarity: Very Rare; 2 recorded examples on RPC online, seemingly 1 recorded example on CoinArchives. Die Axis: 1h. Diameter: 18 mm. Weight: 4.78 g. Starting price: 500 GBP |  |
