Trajan, 98-117. Dupondius (Orichalcum, 27 mm, 10.46 g, 6 h), Rome, circa 112- 113. IMP CAES NERVAE TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS VI P P Radiate head of Trajan to right, with slight drapery on his left shoulder. Rev. S•P•Q•R OPTIMO PRINCIPI / ALIM•ITAL / S - C Annona standing front, head to left, holding two grain ears in her right hand and cornucopiae in her left; to left, child, togate, standing facing. BMC 996. Cohen 13. RIC 605. Woytek 445b. Lovely light green patina. Tiny spot of corrosion on the reverse, otherwise, very fine.


The alimenta Italiae was a welfare program initiated by Nerva and expanded under Trajan. Its primary aim was to provide food and subsidized education to orphans and impoverished children in Italy. The program was financed through interest on estate-backed loans, private philanthropy, and spoils from Trajan’s Dacian campaigns. It remained in place until around 272, when it was likely discontinued by Aurelian - possibly in favor of a reformed cura annonae.