Dupondius of Trajan cited in Prof. Woytek's catalog, ALIM(ENTA) ITAL(IAE)

Alimenta was an innovative welfare program supporting poor children in Italy started by Nerva and widely developed during the reign of Trajan. Funded by low-interest loans to landowners, provided financial aid to needy families, ensuring the care and education of orphaned and impoverished children. This initiative not only promoted social stability and economic growth but also reinforced Trajan’s image as a benevolent ruler. The alimenta set a precedent for future social welfare programs in the Roman Empire, showcasing an early model of state-sponsored social intervention.

On the reverse of this beautiful dupondius of Trajan you can see Abundantia holding cornucopiae and two corn ears over a boy with a roll in his hand.

Reference : The example cited in Prof. Woytek’s catalog 445b.2 (7 specimens), ex Hirsch 2004, ex Dr. Victor Wishnevsky Collection

Source : https://www.instagram.com/p/C8hLvILqtrG/

Collection : Marcus Ulpius Traianus - The Optimus Princeps