Gold Coins – From Emperor Trajan to the 20th Century

In AD 111, Emperor Trajan (reigned AD 98–117) had a gold coin struck depicting himself on both sides. The obverse bears the customary profile bust of the emperor, while the reverse shows him standing in full figure with two children—a boy and a girl. The reverse also carries the inscription ALIM ITAL (Alimenta Italiae), meaning approximately "Support for Italy."

Alimenta Italiae was a charitable institution primarily dedicated to the welfare of children of both sexes throughout the Italian Peninsula. Its purpose was to provide food and education for children affected by wars and civil conflicts. The program was established by Emperor Nerva around AD 98. Nerva was also the emperor who appointed Trajan as his successor.

Trajan significantly expanded the state's commitment to the program. In addition to increasing public funding, he contributed a portion of his own personal wealth to enlarge and reform the institution. The farmers of the Italian Peninsula had also suffered greatly from years of war and civil strife, and part of the program's mission was to provide them with low-interest loans to help them rebuild their livelihoods. The interest paid on these loans was used to finance food and education for the children. The institution remained in operation until AD 272.

In this auction, you will find gold coins dating from the reign of Emperor Trajan through the early 20th century. Place your bid today.