LYDIA, Sardes. Germanicus and Drusus, Caesares. 23-26 AD. Æ 26mm (11.87 gm). Restruck 28-29 AD(?), by Asinius Pollio, Proconsul. Togate figures of Drusus and Germanicus seated left on curule chairs,
DROUSOS KAI GERMANIKOS KAISARES NEOI QEOI FILADELFOI around (overstruck on original legend) /
KOINOU ASIAS in two lines within wreath;
GAIW ASINNIW POLLIWNI ANQUPATW around (overstruck on original legend). RPC I 2995; Weber 6905. Nice VF, dark green patina, reverse double-struck. $295.
This interesting coin appears to be an original issue, but in actuality, it is an earlier issue that is restruck with two intricate 'countermarks.' These 'countermarks' were ring-shaped punch restrikings of the legends that surround the obverse and reverse designs. While the obverse 'countermark-legend' is the same as that which appeared on the original striking, the reverse legend, originally EPI ARCIEPEWS ALEXANDROU KLEWNOS SAPDIANOU, has been totally replaced by a new 'countermark-legend.'
