Which statue sits atop the Chicago Board of Trade building?

The statue that sits atop the Chicago Board of Trade building is Ceres, the Roman goddess of agriculture. This choice is significant because the Chicago Board of Trade has historical ties to the agricultural commodities market, particularly grain. Ceres symbolizes fertility and the abundance of crops, which aligns with the board's purpose in facilitating trade in agricultural products. The choice of Ceres not only highlights the importance of agriculture in Chicago's economy but also reflects the city's historical roots in farming and trade.

It's worth noting that other options represent different themes; Athena embodies wisdom and is often associated with strategic warfare and knowledge, while Libertas symbolizes freedom and independence. Victory, meanwhile, represents triumph and success, which could be linked to various contexts but does not have the specific agricultural significance tied to the Board of Trade. Therefore, Ceres is the most appropriate choice for this context.