Geta AE17 Markianoplis, Thrace AD 198-212

Geta AE17 (17mm, 3.12g) Markianoplis, Thrace AD 198-212

Obv: Π CEΠTI ΓETAC Draped bust right

Rev: MAΡKIANOΠOΛEITΩN serpent climbing up a tripod altar

Varbanov 860. Moushmov 519
Found in an uncleaned coin lot

The Front Side (Obverse): A Young Prince

The front shows a smooth-faced portrait of Geta looking to the right, wearing a folded robe (draped bust).

The Greek letters spell out Π CEΠTI ΓETAC (P Septi Getas), which is short for Publius Septimius Geta.

The Spooky History Drop: Geta's dad was the fierce Emperor Septimius Severus, and his older brother was Caracalla. The two brothers hated each other. Shortly after their dad died, Caracalla had Geta assassinated right in front of their mother. Caracalla then ordered Geta's name and face erased from all public statues and records across the empire. Coins like this are some of the few remaining physical proofs that Geta ever existed.

The Back Side (Reverse): The Healing Serpent

The back shows a fascinating piece of religious propaganda: a serpent climbing up a tripod altar (a three-legged stand used for holy rituals).

The letters around the edge spell out MAΡKIANOΠOΛEITΩN, which basically means "Of the citizens of Markianopolis."

• Why a snake on a tripod? This is a heavy nod to Apollo (the god of prophecy, music, and healing) or his son Asclepius (the god of medicine). In ancient times, snakes weren't seen as creepy; they symbolized rebirth, healing, and long life because they shed their skins!
• The Big Flex: By putting this holy symbol on their money, the local city leaders were telling the Roman royal family, "Hey look! Our city honors the gods of health and protection. We are praying for your family's long life and safety!" (The irony, given Geta's fate, is pretty dark).