Traian SOLD 750

Ruler: Traian 98-117 AD. 

Denomination: Sestertius

Obverse: IMP CAES NERVAE TRAIANO AVG GER DAC P M TR P COS V P P; Laureate bust right, slight drapery on left shoulder.

Reverse: SPQR OPTIMO PRINCIPI, SC, ALIMITAL; Abundantia standing facing, head left, holding cornucopia and grain ears; to left, a child standing facing, head right, holding roll.

Mint: Rome

Weight: 26,38 g

Diameter: 32,5 mm

Reference: RIC 459

Price: 750 PLN

Note: Rare and desirable reverse type! 

The reverse of this coin refers to the Alimenta Italiae, an enlightened and constructive social welfare program first implemented under Nerva and skilfully expanded by Trajan and his successors down to the reign of Marcus Aurelius. Its purpose was twofold: to foster agriculture and promote the increase of population. It worked by making available to farmers capital loans at low rates of interest, which in turn was paid directly to municipalities throughout Italy who were then obliged to use the funds to finance the marriages of poor young people who otherwise were unable to set up house and start families. Unfortunately, the alimentary system was confined to Italy, and had completely disappeared by the 3rd century due to political turmoil and rampant inflation. During Trajan's reign, the Alimenta Italiae was widely promoted on his coinage beginning in about A.D. 108, and, like his extensive building programs that were also advertised on the coinage, was funded from the wealth captured from Dacia during the emperor's campaigns there.

Collezione : Roman Empire 3 1625 vs 2875 = 1250