Gay Interest Medals

For many centuries medals have been designed to commemorate great events, to award accomplishment, and as an artistic endeavor unto itself.  Although the medallic artists have seldom been openly gay, a homoerotic theme is especially frequent in this art form.  Some examples of such medals are provided here.  Is the homoeroticism purposeful, or does it represent a cultural shift in what is considered homoerotic?  This is  a question I intend to research in the future.