Geta. Æ (10.42 g), as Caesar, AD 198-209. Dardanus in Troas. Bare-headed, draped and cuirassed bust of Geta right. Reverse: Ganymede advancing left, head turned right, holding pedum; behind, Zeus in the form of ans eagle), with his wings displayed. SNG Munich 187; SNG von Aulock 1507; BMC 28. Earthen-green patina. Choice Very Fine. Estimate Value $400 - 500
Ganymede, a youth of renowned beauty, was the son of Tros, the eponymous founder of Troy. According to Homer, he was abducted by Zeus who had become besotted with him. Zeus took the form of an eagle and carried Ganymede to his home on Mt. Olympos, where he served as Zeus' cup-bearer and youthful lover (eromenos). The Latin name for Ganymede was Catamitus, from which the English word catamite is derived.