Small bronze semis of Emperor Trajan struck in Rome between AD 107–109. table on which are placed a vessel and a wreath on reverse
On the semisses of Trajan, the scene showing a table (mensa) on which an amphora and a wreath are placed is symbolic and related to imperial generosity and civic cult.
The table represents the table of public distributions (congiarium or liberalitas). It symbolizes the gifts of the emperor to the people: money, food, and wine.
The wreath (often vegetal) has a двойfold meaning: victory and imperial success, as well as a religious dimension—offering, piety, and gratitude toward the gods.
The amphora is a symbol of wine, or more broadly of distributed provisions. It evokes the abundance and prosperity brought about by Trajan’s reign.
