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RIC IV Geta 155A

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC IV Geta 155A. Denomination: Sestertius. Authority: Geta; Septimius Severus. Mint: Rome. The obverse shows bust of Geta, laureate, with drapery on left shoulder, right, with the legend IMP CAES P SEPT GETA PIVS AVG.

The reverse shows caracalla and Geta, standing right and left facing each other, holding spears in left hand and clasping right hands, one crowned by Apollo(?), the other by Hercules, with the legend PONTIF TR P II COS II S C. The obverse shows bust of Geta, laureate, with drapery on left shoulder, right, with the legend IMP CAES P SEPT GETA PIVS AVG. The reverse shows caracalla and Geta, standing right and left facing each other, holding spears in left hand and clasping right hands, one crowned by Apollo(?), the other by Hercules, with the legend PONTIF TR P II COS II S C.

Evidence at a glance

Linked sources
2
Photograph views
3
Catalogue references
1

Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.

Historical context

Publius Septimius Geta served as Roman emperor alongside his father Septimius Severus and older brother Caracalla from 209 to 211. Following the death of Severus in February 211, the father had intended for both brothers to govern together. However, incapable of sharing power, their joint rule was cut short when Caracalla had Geta murdered by the Praetorian Guard in December of that year to become sole ruler of the Roman Empire. This large brass sestertius, produced at the mint of Rome under the authority of Geta and Septimius Severus, reflects that fraught dynastic partnership by depicting the two brothers clasping hands.

Physical characteristics

Material
Bronze
Denomination
Sestertius

Technical characteristics

Mint
Rome
Authority
Geta; Septimius Severus

Design

Obverse
Bust of Geta, laureate, with drapery on left shoulder, right
Reverse
Caracalla and Geta, standing right and left facing each other, holding spears in left hand and clasping right hands, one crowned by Apollo(?), the other by Hercules
Obverse legend
IMP CAES P SEPT GETA PIVS AVG
Reverse legend
PONTIF TR P II COS II S C

Identification

Type reference
RIC IV Geta 155A
Denomination and metal
Sestertius, Bronze
Obverse legend to match
IMP CAES P SEPT GETA PIVS AVG
Reverse legend to match
PONTIF TR P II COS II S C
Source note
Type description from the American Numismatic Society's Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE); individual specimens differ in die, flan size, weight and wear, and legend breaks may vary. Type description from the American Numismatic Society's Online Coins of the Roman Empire (OCRE); individual specimens differ in die, flan size, weight and wear, and legend breaks may vary.

Documentation checklist

Denomination
Recorded
Issue or mint date
Recorded
Material
Recorded
Weight
Research required
Mint or printer
Recorded
Mint or printer mark
Research required
Catalogue reference
Recorded
Attached photograph (check rights)
Recorded

Recorded means a field is present, not independently verified. Read its wording, supporting source and the entry’s confidence level.

Catalogue references

Research required

  • Editorial verification required.
  • Weight, diameter and mint marks require specimen-level evidence.
  • Museum specimen photographs are linked by the source; local photographs and reuse rights remain unverified.
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