GERMANICUS and DRUSUS overstrike (O2222)

LYDIA, Sardes. Germanicus and Drusus, Caesars. Circa 23-26 AD. Æ 28mm (12.42 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. Very fine for overstrike. 

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. The legends of this type were overstruck, in order to change the official named on the reverse from Alexander Cleon, High Priest of the Koinon of Asia, to Asinius Pollio, Proconsul (Governor) of Asia. The mint and exact dating of this issue are uncertain: see discussion in RPC, pp. 487-8. In any case the coins seem to have been produced after the deaths of Germanicus and Drusus in 19 AD and 23 AD respectively