Lot 3371

Description

Lydia, Sardes, Germanicus and Drusus as Caesars. c.23-26 AD. AE 30 (13.452 grams), restruck circa 28-29 AD, by Asinius Pollio the Proconsul, obv. Drusus and Germanicus seated left in curule chairs, around extensive legend, rev. legend in wreath (overstruck on earlier lergend) now issued as **GAIW ASINNIW POLLIWNI ANQUPATW* around, traces of KOINOY **ASIAS* within wreath (S.365, RPC I 2995, BMC Lydia pg. 252, 106, SNG Cop. 518). Brown patina, good fine with slightly rough surfaces, rare.

Ex Jean Elsen, Belgium, Auction Sale 82 (lot 666). 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 ARCIEREWS ALEXANDROU KLEWNOS SARDIANOU*, has been totally replaced by a new 'countermark-legend' as noted above.