Sale: Triton VII, Lot: 1000. Estimate $2500.  Closing Date: Monday, 12 January 2004.  Sold For $4750. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

GETA. 209-211 AD. Æ Sestertius (28.92 gm). Struck 210 AD. IMP CAES P SEPT GETA PIVS AVG, laureate bust right, slight drapery on left shoulder / PONTIF TR P II COS II, S C in exergue, Caracalla and Geta standing left, each extending right hand and holding spear in left; behind them, soldier standing left; before them, two soldiers standing right, each holding vexillum and standards, bound captive on ground at their feet. RIC IV 157b; BMCRE 217; Cohen 146. Nice VF, dark green and black patina. ($2500)

In 210 AD, Caracalla and Geta were in Britain, accompanying their father during the northern campaigns which would terminate the following year with Severus' death at York. Geta had within the year been elevated to Augustus and elected to his second consulship. A series of bronzes, the present piece included, celebrate filial amity, the ceremonies associated with Geta's new honors, the success of Roman arms in Britain, and the continuation of the Severan dynasty. Despite the brothers' seeming camaraderie, one notes that they kept their weapons close at hand!