TRAJAN (98-117). Denarius. Rome.

Obv: IMP CAES NER TRAIANO OPTIMO AVG GER DAC.
Laureate and draped bust right.
Rev: P M TR P COS VI P P S P Q R.
Bonus Eventus (or Genius) standing left, holding patera and grain ears.

Woytek 518v; RIC 347.

Bonus Eventus (=good outcome) was listed by Varro among the twelve deities presiding over agriculture, paired with Lympha, the goddess of spring waters. His original function was agricultural, but in the imperial age he represented a more general concept of success and good fortune. Bonus Eventus was depicted on coins and gems as a naked young man, with a patera for libations in one hand and ears of wheat (or poppies) in the other, representing the god of harvests and a symbol of abundance, emphasizing his apotropaic and protective purpose. A temple dedicated to this god existed in the Campus Martius, and a statue was erected on the Capitoline Hill, near the temple of Jupiter.

Condition: Near mint state.

Weight: 3.42 g.
Diameter: 19 mm.