I found this Geta appealing in spite of and partly because of its faults. Some letters are weakly struck including part of the name. The coin has dark deposits in the recesses which highlights the beard on young Geta. This is the last issue of Geta before he became Augustus and the only chance for the combination of bare head and beard. Geta became Consul for the second time (COS II) in 208 and Augustus in 209 so the growth of the beard during this period helps date the coins. The reverse shows Genius sacrificing from a patera over a flaming altar while holding three grain ears. Please understand that my experience holding grain ears is very limited but I might have held them by the stalks which dangle down while the heads are in his hand. I like the coin because it is clear on this minor detail. Earlier in the COS II period, Geta issued a similar coin showing himself sacrificing over an altar (or tripod with flaming dish at the top) but he holds a short wand/staff instead of grain. Geta also appears in a toga as opposed to Genius who lacked attire of any sort. As a general rule, proper Roman rulers and politicians did not appear on coins undressed but gods often did. Perhaps there is a lesson here to certain modern politicians' self portraits but we won't go there. The coin below is obviously earlier than my new coin (no beard). The other difference to be noted is the beardless portrait is a draped bust while my new coin is a head. In this period it is most usual for junior rulers to be shown with a bust while the full Augustus uses a head (there are a few fancy busts just to make exceptions for us to learn). A Caesar portrait with head alone is unusual.
Gosh, that's a nice coin. Considering what you've managed to say about it, the faults are practically negligible.
No bearded Getas here, but this is my favourite Geta Region, City: Nikopolis ad Istrum Coin: Billon L AVP KAI GETAC - Bare-headed, draped bust right NIKOPOLITWN PROC I - Crescent within, star Mint: (198-209 AD) Wt./Size/Axis: 2.52g / 16mm / - References: AMNG 1648
Has a look I tend to be attracted too. Nice one, Doug. Geta (209 - 211 A.D.) AR Denarius O: IMP CAES P SEPT GETA PIVS AVG, Laureate head right. R: PONTIF TR P COS II, Geta on horseback riding left, spearing enemy beneath. Rome. A.D. 209 3.12g 19mm BMC p. 359 17. RIC 68 (Rated Rare), RSC 13
I always enjoy reading your educational posts @dougsmit . Good stuff and fun to see so much interesting history behind nuances of coins. This is why I am here... I have a Bearded Geta! I like it for the reverse: RI Geta AR Denarius 209-211 CE On horse spearing enemy Obv-Rev.jpg And it ties back to my Roman Republic Geta... RR C Hosidius C F Geta 68 BCE Diana bow quiver Boar Hound spearing Boar Sear 346 Craw 407-2 Obv-Rev.jpg LOL, in MY mind, throughout history those Getas loved to SPEAR things!
Even within an issue you can see development of the beard. then the same reverse type but slightly later There seem to be a few of us who like these spearing types.
Can't forget the full beard. Geta (209 - 211 A.D.) AR Denarius O: P SEPT GETA PIVS AVG BRIT ,laureate head right . R: LIBERALITAS AVG V , LIberalitas standing left with counting board and cornucopiae . Rome Mint, 211 A.D. 3.7g 18mm RIC 88, RSC 68 The reverse ends legend with "AUG V". The 'V' stands for the number of times donatives had been given at the time of the minting. "Liberalitas" signifies generosity
Notice the difference in how the grain is held. I need to research the head as opposed to bust question.
I picked up this beardless Geta from JA's past auction. It's not yet in hand & they usually look better in hand (from any body ie forvm, & me). I didn't have a Geta & at the price, why not? I'm impatiently waiting on some other finds to be delivered.
As always I love the posts and the terrific insights along with them!! To just jump in, I'll post a provincial bronze (maybe some 'peach fuzz?):
I only have a Geta Sestertius. It is one of his last, as Augustus Britannicus, celebrating his happy return from Britain with his co-ruling brother... P SEPTIMIVS GETA PIVS AVG / FORT RED TR P III COS II P P S C Sestertius, Rome 211 31 mm, 20 gr RIC 168b, BMCRE 427, 43
Holy Moly, Mentor => I'm lovin' your recent coin-scores ... that's another amazing OP-winner (congrats) Ummm, this is my only Geta offering (I hope that it's accepted into this thread's amazing Geta-herd) ... no chin-fuzz Geta. As Caesar, AR Denarius AD 198-209 Struck under Septimius Severus, AD 199-204 Rome mint Diameter: 18 mm Weight: 3.36 grams Obverse: Bareheaded and draped bust right Reverse: Castor standing slightly left before horse, holding bridle and scepter Reference: RIC IV 6; RSC 12
I can not help think that Geta's resemblance to Septimius made worse his relationship with Caracalla.
The most recent Naville auction had a Geta sestertius with a portrait I didn't even recognise as Geta. He was only 22 years old at the time of his death. https://www.sixbid.com/browse.html?auction=3079&category=63363&lot=2568222