ROMAN EMPIRE - NOVEL Hadrian (117-138). Hemidrachm with bust of Antinous Year 19 (134-135), Alexandria. Av. ANTINOOY - HPωOC. Bust draped right, surmounted by hem-hem crown. Rv. L-I-Θ. Antinous draped, on horseback right, holding caduceus. Dattari 2080 - Emmett 1347 ; Bronze - 16.55 g - 30.5 mm - 12 h From an NGSA 10 sale, 3 December 2018, No. 45. NGC Ch AU 5/5 3/5 repatinated (8231594-001). On a broad, vigorously struck blank with a remarkable portrait of Hadrian's favourite. Beautiful black patina. Superb at Fleur de coin. One of the most remarkable cults of the ancient world was that which developed around the young Antinous, a boy from Claudiopolis in Bithynia, who attracted the attention of the Emperor Hadrian. Hadrian was apparently not very fond of his wife Sabina and chose instead to shower favours on the handsome young man, whom he had met by chance during a visit to Bithynia. During the emperor's tour of Egypt in October 130 AD, Antinous fell into the Nile and drowned, raising suspicions of suicide or ritual murder. Distraught, Hadrian immediately had his favourite deified, and the cult of Antinous became an important part of the imperial cult. * Following Council Directive (EU) 2022/542 of April 5, 2022, implemented in national law from 01/01/2025, buyers from within the EU have to pay 5.5% VAT on the hammer price of this lot. * Following Council Directive (EU) 2022/542 of April 5, 2022, implemented in national law from 01/01/2025, buyers from within the EU have to pay 5.5% VAT on the hammer price of this lot.