GETA (209-211). Denarius. Rome.

Obv: P SEPT GETA PIVS AVG BRIT.
Laureate head right, with long beard.
Rev: TR P III COS II P P.
Janus standing facing, holding spear and thunderbolt.

RIC 79.

This denarius was issued shortly before he was assassinated by his brother. Geta ascended the throne together with Caracalla upon the death of his father Septimius Severus. Unlike Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus, the two could not live together and lived separately in the palace, without communicating with each other, despite the 'concordia' that could be read on their coins. This depiction of Geta, with an unusually long beard, brings his portrait very close to that of his father, as if to affirm and reinforce his claim to the throne. Caracalla prevailed over him, however, and had him killed in AD 212.

Condition: Extremely fine.

Weight: 2.58 g.
Diameter: 20 mm.