Born in Lugdunum in AD 188, while his father was serving as governor of Gaul, Lucius Septimius Bassianus started out life as a cheerful, affable youth whose character deteriorated as he gained more prestige and power.

Caracalla, as Augustus (AD 198-217). BI tetradrachm (26mm, 11h). NGC Choice VF, light graffito. AD 215-217. AYT KAI AN-TΩNINOC CЄ, laureate head of Caracalla right, slight drapery visible on far shoulder / ΔΗΜΑΡΧ ЄΞ YΠATOC TO Δ, eagle standing facing, head and tail left, wings spread, wreath in beak; prow left between legs.