Traianus with unknown animal on back

[mc9]

while cataloging my Traianus coins I came across the following piece.

It is a Dupondius with Abundatia seated on a chair, consisting of 2 cornuacopiae, holding a scepter.

Next to her side is the head and neck of an animal, I suspect either: a donkey, a horse or a dog's head.

Has anyone seen this before? RIC and Cohen make no mention of this.

Thank you.

 

[John Conduitt]

I suspect it's just the end of the cornucopia, which happens to have worn so it looks like a donkey. Like Jesus appearing in toast.

Edited November 21, 2022 by John Conduitt

[shanxi]

Yes, probably. If you look at this example, you can see the "donkey head" as part of the cornucopia:

https://www.acsearch.info/search.html?id=220602

[Roman Collector]

9 hours ago, shanxi said:

Yes, probably. If you look at this example, you can see the "donkey head" as part of the cornucopia:

https://www.acsearch.info/search.html?id=220602

What an ugly portrait of Trajan!! Not exactly "fine style."

[DonnaML]

1 hour ago, Roman Collector said:

What an ugly portrait of Trajan!! Not exactly "fine style."

My God, that's horrible. It might be even worse than this one:

[mc9]

@DonnaML,

Perhaps the die cutter had an eye defect or took Nerva's nose as an example?

[mc9]

@John Conduitt

You are right, it is the tip of the cornucopia. The head and immediate surroundings show no signs of wear and are clearly visible. 
probably the die cutter added decoration?

 

@shanxi

I had also seen this one, but not very visible due to the presence of some other objects around it. 
Perhaps there are other decorations to be found at the ends of this type reverse?

 

@Roman Collector

hopefully traianus never saw this picture, or heads must have rolled

Edited November 22, 2022 by mc9