Sale: CNG 67, Lot: 1110. Estimate $200.  Closing Date: Wednesday, 22 September 2004.  Sold For $340. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

LYDIA, Sardes. Germanicus and Drusus, Caesars. Circa 23-26 AD. Æ 27mm (12.14 gm). Restruck circa 28-29 AD, by Asinius Pollio, Proconsul. Drusus and Germanicus seated left in curule chairs / Legend in wreath; GAIW ASINNIW POLLIWNI ANQUPATW around (overstruck on original legend). Sardis -; RPC I 2995; BMC Lydia pg. 252, 106; SNG Copenhagen 518. VF, green patina, slightly rough surfaces. ($200)

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 SARDIANOU, has been totally replaced by a new 'countermark-legend.'