Denarius pair of Caracalla and Geta- "Providence of the Gods"

Discussion in 'Ancient Coins' started by Shea19, Jul 30, 2021.

  1. Shea19

    Shea19 Well-Known Member

    I recently added one of my favorite coins of the year, a denarius of Caracalla struck within a year after he had his younger brother (and co-emperor) Geta assassinated.

    The coin has the reverse legend PROVIDENTIAE DEORVM (“Providence of the Gods”), a propaganda message often used to support the emperor's legitimacy by projecting that he was chosen to rule by the foresight and will of the Gods, and that he has the Gods' backing and protection. Though many emperors used a similar reverse type, it's an especially interesting and fitting reverse type for Caracalla, who attributed his murder of Geta to “divine providence.” The coin also has a nice portrait of an angry, unhinged-looking Caracalla, which I always enjoy.

    What I especially like about this coin is that I was able to buy a "companion" piece for it. When I learned that Geta had actually also issued coins with a “Providentia Deorum” reverse, I knew that I had to get one. Though Geta may have projected that his rule was justified by the providence and backing of the gods, Caracalla obviously had other ideas. For two brothers whose fates are forever linked, I thought that this was a fun pair of coins to add to the collection.

    472B1803-CACB-4354-9386-CA8F7ED8BAC1.jpeg
    Caracalla, AR denarius, circa 212 A.D., Rome mint, (18mm, 3.08 g), ANTONINVS PIVS AVG BRIT, laureate head of Caracalla to right/Rev. - PROVIDENTIAE - DEORVM, Providentia standing left, holding wand over globe at feet and sceptre. RIC 227

    The tag from Harlan J. Berk (presumably written by Curtis Clay, who knows a thing or two about Severan coins :)), notes that "Caracalla attributes Geta's assassination to divine providence", and dates the coin to 212 A.D. That indicates that this coin was struck not long after Geta's assassination in December of 211 A.D.

    And here's the companion denarius of Geta:
    B51C3C26-CCFD-4C3E-964D-DF5DFB46068F.jpeg
    Geta, as Caesar, AR Denarius circa 203-208 A.D., (18.9mm., 3.48g.), P SEPTIMIVS GETA CAES, Bare-headed and draped bust of Geta to r. / Rev. PROVID DEORVM Providentia standing l., holding wand over globe in r. hand and sceptre in l. hand. RIC 51.

    The Geta denarius was issued several years earlier while their father Septimius Severus was still alive, and his foresight in thinking that his two boys could somehow work together obviously did not turn out the way he had hoped.

    And a nice little "family reunion":
    6ADE99AB-7000-4CE1-A386-1FE2BD0294B2.jpeg

    And while I'm at it, I also recently scored a provincial bronze featuring both brothers, so I figured I'd share this one here too.
    EB90B32A-650F-4928-841E-7EAC9BC684A6.jpeg
    Caracalla, Moesia, Marcianopolis, (AE, 26.5mm., 10.33g). Laureate, draped and cuirassed busts of Caracalla and Geta facing each another/ Rev Homonoia standing l., wearing kalathos, holding patera and cornucopia;in l. field, Є.

    Please share your favorite coins of Caracalla, Geta, reverses with Providentia or Providentia Deorum, any of your favorite coin "pairs", or anything else relevant!
     
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  3. John Conduitt

    John Conduitt Well-Known Member

    Great additions. I like the angry Caracalla. Perhaps the engraver knew him.

    The only Caracalla and Geta coins I have are also what you might call a pair, celebrating their victory in Britain with their father:

    Caracalla Denarius, 210-3
    upload_2021-7-30_22-6-23.png
    Rome. Silver, 3.22g. ANTONINVS PIVS AVG BRIT. VICTORIAE BRIT (Victory in Britain), Victory with trophy (RIC IV 231A).

    Geta Denarius, 210-1
    upload_2021-7-30_22-6-44.png
    Rome. Silver, 2.95g. P SEPT GETA PIVS AVG BRIT. VICTORIAE BRIT (Victory in Britain), Victory with palm branch and wreath (RIC IV 92).

    Of course, Victory isn't exactly an uncommon reverse either. There's a Septimius Severus to go with them for the same campaign - although he died during it, at York. The harmony suggested by the coins didn't last much longer:

    Septimius Severus Denarius, 210-1
    upload_2021-7-30_22-7-41.png
    Rome. Silver, 2.21g. SEVERVS PIVS AVG BRIT. VICTORIAE BRIT (Victory in Britain), Victory with palm branch and wreath (RIC IV 332).

    Looking at them now, Caracalla's is the only one without a palm branch - a symbol of victory, but also peace. He just has Victory making off with the trophy.
     
    Last edited: Jul 30, 2021
  4. ambr0zie

    ambr0zie Dacian Taraboste

    Nice coins. My latest Providentia coin is from Victorinus. I didn't have this emperor in my collection, although I don't focus on that period, a coin was needed nevertheless.
    Nice condition in my opinion
    upload_2021-7-31_0-8-20.png

    Victorinus AD 269-271. Colonia Agippinensium (Cologne)
    Antoninianus Æ
    20 mm, 2,31 g
    Date Range: AD 269 - AD 271
    Obverse Legend: IMP C VICTORINVS P F AVG
    Type: Bust of Victorinus, radiate, draped, right, or bust of Victorinus, radiate, draped, cuirassed, right, or bust of Victorinus, radiate, cuirassed, right
    Reverse Legend: PROVIDENTIA AVG
    Type: Providentia, draped, standing left, holding baton in right hand and sceptre in left hand; at foot, globe


    For a long time, this was my only Geta coin.
    upload_2021-7-31_0-11-29.png

    Ionia. Ephesos. Geta AD 198-211. Bronze Æ18 mm., 3,86 g.
    (209-211). Ae.
    Obv: Λ CEΠ ΓETAC KAI.
    Bare headed, draped and cuirassed bust right.
    Rev: EΦECIΩN.
    Stag standing right.
    Karwiese 553. SNG Cop 428

    Acquired a Denarius with a small flan but a very good portrait of Geta as a boy (he was between 11 and 13)
    upload_2021-7-31_0-12-40.png


    Geta 198-212 AD, as Caesar, AR Denarius, Rome Mint, ca. 200-202 AD.
    Obv: P SEPT GETA CAES PONT, bare, draped and cuirassed bust of Geta, seen from behind, right
    Rev: PRINC IVVENTVTIS, Geta in military dress standing left, holding baton and sceptre, to the right trophy
    RIC IV 18
    3.01 gr. 18 mm

    This pairs nicely with my Caracalla as Caesar (minted when he was between 8 and 10)
    upload_2021-7-31_0-13-27.png


    Caracalla (as Caesar, 196-198) AR denarius. Rome
    M AVR ANTONINVS CAES - bareheaded and draped bust right
    Rev: SEVERI AVG PII FIL - Implements of the priesthood: Lituus, axe, jug, simpulum, and sprinkler

    RIC IV Caracalla 4.
    2,96 g, 18 mm
     
  5. hotwheelsearl

    hotwheelsearl Well-Known Member

    Nice! Geta is a tough one to get in such good condition.
    He also looks a lot older than usual in your coin, which is pretty neat.

    An interesting Geta Pautalian provincial with Farnese Herakles reverse.
    Geta Varbanov Pautalia 5376.JPG
     
  6. Andres2

    Andres2 Well-Known Member

    My 2 favourites:

    Geta as Caesar Minerva2 (2).JPG P1170772 SOL XX (2).jpg
     
  7. curtislclay

    curtislclay Well-Known Member

    @ambr0zie

    Maybe your first denarius above is also Caracalla not Geta, with obv. legend

    M AVR ANTON - CAES PONTIF.

    That would make it a coin of spring-summer 197, as opposed to late 195-early 196 for the Sacrificial Implements type.
     
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  8. hotwheelsearl

    hotwheelsearl Well-Known Member

    I have a similar limes version to Ambrozie's, which is Geta.
    Geta BI Limes Denarius RIC 18b.JPG

    Closer inspection of Ambrozie's obverse legend shows the terminal N, not the A, which means that you are absolutely right that it's likely Caracalla instead of Geta.
     
  9. dougsmit

    dougsmit Member

    Caracalla
    rm6510bb0493.jpg

    Geta
    rm7020bb0827.jpg

    In addition to the sacrificial implements featuring the jug, there is the version for Caracalla with a buchranium and legend DESTINATO IMPERAT. If I were to write a movie script (realizing how I dislike historical fiction) I would explain this type by showing Caracalla throwing a tantrum when told that Geta was being made Caesar. Septimius tried to placate him by changing the details on the implements and adding the legend "Destination Emperor". When that did not suffice, Caracalla was made Augustus. Now, that might not be 100% accurate but the idea here is to sell tickets and making Caracalla look like a spoiled brat would be a move in that direction.
    rm6540bb0836.jpg

    I find it interesting how few of the types were shared by the brothers. It would appear that one or both wanted nothing to do with types sullied by the other. This, also, would make a good scene for my movie script. Geta gets better treatment from history whether his personality was sweet and loving or just not as rabid as his brother's. We can study all the evidence and make our best guesses but what we know and what we like to believe may not always align well.
     
  10. Spaniard

    Spaniard Well-Known Member

    Cool looking coins!
    Here's my loving brothers....
    Geta..RIC#38b...Minted 205ad
    Caracalla..RICIV#224....Minted 212/213ad
    GETA WHITE.jpg
    caracalla white.jpg
     
  11. Bing

    Bing Illegitimi non carborundum Supporter

  12. Severus Alexander

    Severus Alexander find me at NumisForums

    Those make a great pair, @Shea19!

    2021620_1624896124.jpg
    I was excited to add this coin to my collection recently. It's a rare issue from Pisidian Antioch with the ironic latin legend CONCORD AUGVSTOR, showing Caracalla and Geta shaking hands. I believe it was issued in 210 or later, so very close to the murder.
     
  13. Curtisimo

    Curtisimo the Great(ish)

    Great coins @Shea19 ! Fun thread as well.

    Here are two denarii of Geta and Caracalla respectively.

    92E1FCF8-6324-49EB-94BC-292A165D135F.jpeg
    Roman Empire
    Geta as Caesar
    AR Denarius, Rome mint, struck ca. AD 198-200
    Dia.: 18 mm
    Wt.: 2.33 g
    Obv.: L SEPTIMIVS GETA CAES. Bareheaded and draped bust right.
    Rev.: FELICITAS TEMPOR. Felicitas standing left, holding caduceus and cornucopia.
    Ref.: RIC IVa 2
    Ex AMCC 1 (Dec. 1, 2018)


    7E8B29B1-1D56-44CA-B0BB-544C73B63C68.jpeg
    21BC801E-8A22-4209-ACC8-B72028EFF8CA.png
    Roman Empire
    Caracalla
    AR denarius, Rome mint, struck ca. AD 206
    Dia.: 18 mm
    Wt.: 3.18 g
    Obv.: ANTONINVS PIVS AVG; Laureate head right
    Rev.: PONTIF TR P VIIII COS II; Mars in military dress standing left, right hand resting on shield, left hand holding spear
    Ref.: RIC IV 83
    Ex Otto Helbing Nachf. 86 (Nov. 25, 1942); Ex Gorney & Mosch Auction 241, lot 3068 (Oct. 12, 2016); Ex arnoldoe Collection


    Here are a couple of my favorite Caracallas.
    2A8CEB4D-3B63-4B8E-AEB8-124110C1DEA3.jpeg
    Galatia, Ancyra
    Caracalla (AD 198-217)
    AE Tetrassarion, Ancyra mint, struck after AD 212
    Dia.: 28 mm
    Wt.: 16.59 g
    Obv.: ANTΩNINOC AYΓOYCTO-C; Laureate head of Caracalla right
    Rev.: MHTPOΠOΛEΩC ANKYPAC •; Octastyle temple with shield in pediment
    Ref.: BMC 33 var
    Ex Lanz 163, 7 December 2016, 378


    FE8BD2C8-4C20-4DD2-B145-E9137467EC54.jpeg
    PHOENICIA, Berytus.
    Caracalla (AD 197-217)
    AR Tetradrachm, Berytus mint, struck AD 215-217.
    Dia.: 28 mm
    Wt.: 13.0 g
    Obv.: AVT KAI ANTWNINOC CЄB; Laureate bust right.
    Rev.: ΔHMAPΧ EΞ YΠATO Δ; Eagle with spread wings standing facing, head left wreath in beak; between legs, prow left.
    Reference: Prieur 1292
    From the DePew Collection.
     
  14. ambr0zie

    ambr0zie Dacian Taraboste


    You are absolutely correct, thank you. The auction house where I bought these coins from has the bad habit of attributing coins incorrectly. This was attributed as Geta with Geta's legend but I should have spotted this as the [ANTO]N is loud and clear.

    They have also messed the other one up, bought from the same auction
    upload_2021-7-31_12-14-55.png
    Described as reverse legend DESTINATO IMPERAT - Implements of the priesthood: lituus, apex, bucranium, and simpulum.
    I have spotted that the legend is in fact SEVERI AVG PII FIL - Implements of the priesthood: Lituus, axe, jug, simpulum and sprinkler. Wrong legend and wrong items...

    Thank you once again, I don't like mistakes on my attributions especially getting the ruler wrong. I will check again the coins I have from that house as I have already spotted some errors.
     
  15. Alegandron

    Alegandron "ΤΩΙ ΚΡΑΤΙΣΤΩΙ..." ΜΕΓΑΣ ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΣ, June 323 BCE

    GETA

    upload_2021-7-31_9-6-34.png
    GETA (209-211).
    Denarius. Rome.
    Obv: IMP CAES P SEPT GETA PIVS AVG.
    Laureate head right.
    Rev: PONTIF TR P COS II.
    Emperor on horseback left, spearing fallen enemy.
    RIC 68.


    CARACALLA

    upload_2021-7-31_9-7-46.png
    CARACALLA (197-217).
    Denarius. Rome.
    Obv: ANTONINVS PIVS FEL AVG.
    Laureate head right.
    Rev: MONETA AVG.
    Moneta standing left, holding scales and cornucopia.
    RIC 236.
     
  16. Ocatarinetabellatchitchix

    Ocatarinetabellatchitchix Well-Known Member

    I haven't seen a PROVIDENTA yet :

    Victorinus Antoninianus
    Cologne 5th (last) emission
    Fully silvered
    E80F11E2-C62F-4568-B94D-2729757E765B.jpeg
     
  17. Julius Germanicus

    Julius Germanicus Well-Known Member

    Caracalla and Geta Sestertius pair:

    Bildschirmfoto 2021-08-01 um 13.00.12.png
    Bildschirmfoto 2021-08-01 um 13.00.32.png
     
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  18. Marsyas Mike

    Marsyas Mike Well-Known Member

    Some handsome coins in this thread. Threads like this make me wonder how many I have of the type. So I did some digging and here are my Severan Providentia issues:

    Septimius Severus - Den. PROVID RIC 92a Aug 2017 (0).jpg
    Septimius Severus Denarius
    (196-197 A.D.)
    Rome Mint

    L SEPT SEV PERT AVG IMP VIII, laureate head right / PROVIDENTIA AVG, Providentia standing left with wand over orb and sceptre in other hand.
    RIC 92a.
    (2.60 grams / 18 mm)
    eBay Aug. 2017

    Here's a non-handsome limes Providentia:
    Sept Severus - Limes Den lot Sep 2019 (0).jpg
    Septimius Severus Limes Denarius
    (200-201 A.D.)

    Rome Mint?
    [SEVER]VS AVG PAR[T MAX], laureate head right / [PR]OVID AVGG, Providentia standing half-left, holding wand over globe to left and sceptre.
    RIC 166; RSC 586
    (1.90 grams / 18 x 12 mm)
    eBay Sep. 2019

    Geta - Denarius PROVID DEORVM RIC 51 Feb 2021 (0d).jpg
    Geta (as Caesar) Denarius
    (203-208 A.D.)
    Rome Mint

    P SEPTIMIVS GETA CAES, bare-headed, draped bust right / PROVID DEORVM, Providentia standing left, holding wand and sceptre, globe at feet.
    (3.30 grams / 18 mm)
    RIC 51; RSC 170; BMC 458.
    eBay Feb. 2021

    Here is one of the very first ancients I ever bought, back in 1987, an antoninianus of Elagabalus:
    Elagabalus - Antoinianus PROV 1987 (0).jpg
    Elagabalus Antoninianus
    (218-222 A.D.)
    Rome Mint

    IMP ANTONINVS AVG, radiate draped and cuirassed bust right / PROVID DEORVM, Providentia standing left holding wand over globe and cornucopia, leaning
    on column with left elbow.
    RIC 129; RSC 243; BMC 155.
    (5.09 grams / 23 mm)
    Col., OH May 1987

    Severus Alex. - Den. Providentia RIC 173 Apr. 2017 (0).jpg
    Severus Alexander Denarius
    (222-228 A.D.)
    Rome Mint

    IMP C M AVR SEV ALEXAND AVG, laureate and draped bust right / PROVIDENTIA AVG, Providentia, draped, standing left, pointing at globe with wand in right hand, spear in left hand.
    RIC 173 (draped bust).
    (2.76 grams / 20 mm)
    eBay Apr. 2017

    Some bronze - this as of Severus Alexander has Providentia leaning on a column, something usually found with Securitas:

    Severus Alexander - As Provid Aug 2019 (0).jpg
    Severus Alexander Æ As
    (224 A.D.)
    Rome Mint

    [IMP C]AES M AVR SEV ALEXAN[DER AVG], laureate, draped bust right / PONTIF MAX TR P III [COS] PP, S-C, Providentia standing left, on column, holding wand over globe & cornucopiae.
    RIC 416; Sear 8094; Cohen 472.
    (8.90 grams / 24 x 21 mm)
    eBay Aug. 2019

    Severus Alexander As Provid Sep 2018 (0).jpg
    Severus Alexander Æ As
    (231-235 A.D.)
    Rome Mint

    ALEXANDER PIVS AVG, laureate head right, slight drapery on left shoulder / PROVIDENTIA AVG S-C, Providentia standing left by modius, holding corn-ears and cornucopiae.
    RIC 644b; Cohen 504.
    (13.96 grams / 26 mm)
    eBay Sep. 2018

    Severus Alexander - Sest. PROVIDENTIA Aug 2019do (0a).jpg
    Severus Alexander Æ Sestertius
    Rome Mint
    (231-235 A.D.)

    IMP ALEXANDER PIVS AVG laureate bust rt., draped far shoulder / PROVIDENTIA AVG, S-C, Providentia draped standing left by modius, holding grain ears and cornucopiae.
    RIC 642b; Cohen 503.
    (24.06 grams / 30 mm)
    eBay Aug. 2019
     
  19. ambr0zie

    ambr0zie Dacian Taraboste

    Here is a PROVID AVGG fourree from Septimius Severus.
    upload_2021-8-1_17-11-44.png
     
  20. Alegandron

    Alegandron "ΤΩΙ ΚΡΑΤΙΣΤΩΙ..." ΜΕΓΑΣ ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΣ, June 323 BCE

    Fulvia: First Living Woman on a Roman Coin... AND she is depicted as VICTORY

    A very powerful and strong Woman in Ancient History, especially in a male-centric Roman Republic.
    [​IMG]
    Roman Republic (disintegrating)
    Fulvia

    Late summer-autumn 43 BCE
    AR Quinarius (13mm, 1.67 g, 5h).
    Lugdunum (Lyon) mint.
    Obv: Winged bust of Victory right, with the likeness of Fulvia /
    Rev: Lion walking right; DVNI (retrograde and inverted) above, LVGV in exergue; A to left, X [L] to right (= 40, Antony’s age at time of issue).
    Crawford 489/5; Lyon 2; King 75; CRI 122; Sydenham 1160; Fulvia 4.
    Comments: VF, lightly toned, light porosity.
    Ex: CNG

    Wikipedia:
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fulvia
    The siege at Perusia lasted two months before Octavian starved Lucius into surrender in February 40 BC. After Lucius' surrender, Fulvia fled to Greece with her children. Appian writes that she met Antony in Athens, and he was upset with her involvement in the war. Antony then sailed back to Rome to deal with Octavian, and Fulvia died of an unknown illness in exile in Sicyon, near Corinth, Achaea.[46] After her death, Antony and Octavian used it as an opportunity to blame their quarrelling on her. According to Plutarch, "there was even more opportunity for a reconciliation with Caesar. For when Antony reached Italy, and Caesar manifestly intended to make no charges against him, and Antony himself was ready to put upon Fulvia the blame for whatever was charged against himself."[46] After Fulvia's death, Antony married Octavian's sister, Octavia Minor, to publicly demonstrate his reconciliation with Octavian. Antony never regained his position and influence in Italy.[47]

    Once Antony and Octavia were married, she took in and reared all of Fulvia's children. The fate of Fulvia's daughter, Clodia Pulchra, after her divorce from Octavian is unknown. Her son Marcus Antonius Antyllus was executed by Octavian in Alexandria, Egypt in 30 BC. Her youngest child, Iullus Antonius, was spared by Octavian and raised from 40 BC by Octavia Minor. Iullus married Octavia's daughter and Octavian's niece Claudia Marcella Major and they had a son Lucius Antonius and possibly a daughter Iulla Antonia.
     
    Last edited: Aug 1, 2021
  21. ambr0zie

    ambr0zie Dacian Taraboste

    @Alegandron - great coin. I wouldn't mind it at all in my collection. But didn't you intend to post it on the Victory thread?
     
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