On Roman coinage Annona signified the annual distribution of grain in Rome. During the republican era grain supplies were kept in storehouses and used in the event of famine. Food distributions were made to Roman households, usually at a reduced price (during the Gracchan period) or occasionally free (i.e. in 58 BC). Aediles were responsible for the abundance of provisions and this was indicated on republican denarii, often inscribed AED CVR, or by displaying combinations of either a modius, curule chairs or corn-ears.

Under the emperors Annona appears as a female personification of the annual provisions (grain, wheat, wine, fruit) distributed to the people.

Reverse types variously depict Annona as holding ears of grain over a modius, the latter sometimes containing poppy heads - these were frequently found among crops and originally alluded to the agricultural deities Demeter and Ceres.

Annona is often depicted with a ship's prow, anchor or rudder as an indication of grain imported from elsewhere, i.e. Etruria, Sicily or Egypt. Other attributes include cornucopiae (an attribute shared with Abundantia) and statuettes of either Spes, Ceres or Aequitas.

In general this reverse type conveyed a message that the emperor could provide an adequate supply of food for his subjects.