In 211, the Roman emperor Septimius Severus died in modern-day York whilst on campaign with his sons Caracalla and Geta. The brothers did not get on and before Septimius died, he urged them to keep on good terms with each other. Following Septimius’ death, Caracalla and Geta were named as joint emperors but they argued over every decision and stopped speaking to each other. After at least one failed attempt on Geta’s life, Caracalla’s centurions attacked Geta in February 212 in the apartments of their mother, Julia Domna, and he died in her arms.  

Geta first appeared on coins as a boy and the portrait on the denarius struck c.209-211 is the most mature image of him on coins. Aged about 21, Geta is depicted with a full beard and is wearing a laurel wreath.