Trajan, 98-117. Sestertius (Orichalcum, 33 mm, 25.40 g, 6 h), Rome, circa 112-113. IMP CAES NERVAE TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS VI P P Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Trajan to right, seen from behind. Rev. S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI / S - C // ALIM ITAL Annona standing front, head to left, holding grain ears in her right hand and cornucopia in her left; to left, child standing facing, head to right. Biaggi 180 = Woytek 444f (this coin). BMC 974 var. (differing bust type). Cohen 10 var. (differing bust type). RIC 604 var. (differing bust type). Apparently unique. A beautiful piece with a very unusual bust type. A few light deposits, otherwise, good very fine.


The alimenta Italiae were a welfare program initiated by Nerva and continued by Trajan. Its main goal was to provide food and subsidized education to Italy's orphans and/or impoverished children. The program was funded by interests on estate loans, philanthropy, and Trajan's Dacian war booty and existed until circa 272 AD, when it was likely abandoned by Aurelian and perhaps replaced by the reformed cura annonae.