Lot 4302

Description

Trajan, (A.D. 98-117), AE sestertius, issued 112-114, Rome Mint, (27.75 g), obv. laureate bust draped on far shoulder to right of Trajan, around IMP CAES NERVA TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS VI P P, rev. ALIM ITAL in exergue, Annona standing to front looking left, holding corn ears and cornucopiae, child before with roll, around S P Q R OPTIMO PRINCIPI, S C across, (cf.S.3177, RIC 604, BMC 974, C.10, Woytek 444b). Good very fine, rare.

The alimenta was a scheme under which needy children were provided with support through the investment of agriculture of funds donated by wealthy romans (including the emperors Nerva and Trajan).