Severan Dynastic Intaglio

Triton XXII, Lot: 1125. Estimate $5000. Sold for $4000. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Septimius Severus, with Caracalla and Geta as Caesar. AD 193-211. Heliotrope intaglio (17x13mm). Face engraved with three portraits: Septimius Severus in center facing youthful Caracalla, each laureate, draped, and cuirassed; behind Severus, a bareheaded, draped, and cuirassed bust of Geta; G, S, and A above, for Geta, Severus, and Antoninus / Blank. Intact with a few minor surface scratches. A wonderful dynastic intaglio with three fine style portraits.

As Caracalla wears long sideburns, this piece was probably engraved no earlier than circa AD 205, and no later than 209, as Geta’s bare head indicates he was not yet raised to the rank of Augustus.