Skip to content
Orbis Collectibles

RIC IV Geta 156A

DocumentedSupported by at least one credible specialist source.

Record status

Individual type · research required

Issuing entity

Roman Empire

RIC IV Geta 156A. 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, veiled, togate, standing right and left facing each other, sacrificing out of paterae in right hands over tripod and holding batons in left hands; behind, flute player facing and victim, 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

Septimius Severus ruled as Roman emperor from 193 to 211, establishing the Severan dynasty with his sons Caracalla and Geta. Caracalla had been named Augustus in 198, and Geta was raised to co-emperor as Augustus in 209. Following Severus's death at Eboracum in early 211, both sons succeeded him under the guidance of their mother, Julia Domna.

Struck at the Rome mint under the authority of Geta and Septimius Severus, this bronze sestertius carries the obverse inscription "IMP CAES P SEPT GETA PIVS AVG". The reverse legend reads "PONTIF TR P II COS II S C" and depicts Caracalla and Geta veiled and togate, standing opposite one another and sacrificing out of paterae over a tripod while holding batons, accompanied by a victim and an attendant flute player.

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, veiled, togate, standing right and left facing each other, sacrificing out of paterae in right hands over tripod and holding batons in left hands; behind, flute player facing and victim
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 156A
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.

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

Varieties

  • RIC IV Geta 156B

    Near-identical catalogue variant (same obverse and reverse legends, type and denomination, differing only in minor marks or bust detail); consolidated into this entry.

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.
Can you source one of these? Submit a reference