Geta, As Caesar, Denarius

Geta, Denarius, AR, as Caesar AD 198–209 (Rome, c. AD 200–202), 3.62 g, 19 mm.

Obverse legend P SEPT GETA CAES PONT; bare-headed, draped and cuirassed bust of Geta right. Reverse legend NOBILITAS; Nobilitas standing left, holding palladium and scepter. Struck at Rome on the standard Severan denarius module. Reference: RIC IV Geta 13a. As younger son of Septimius Severus and Julia Domna, Geta was created Caesar in AD 198 and featured on Roman coinage to emphasize Severan dynastic continuity. The NOBILITAS reverse type publicized the legitimacy and standing of the imperial house during the consolidation of Severus’ rule after the civil wars and eastern campaigns. Geta later became Augustus in 209 but was murdered by his brother Caracalla in 211, followed by a damnatio memoriae; thus, his Caesar issues represent the principal pre-damnation coinage in his name.