Modena 1571 1/4 scudo
This specimen was lot 1241 in Sincona sale 76 (Zürich, May 2022), where it sold for 19,000 CHF (about US$23,062 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"ITALY | Reggio Emilia. Alfonso II. d'Este, 1559-1597. 1/4 Scudo o. J. Geharnischte Büste nach links. Rv. PACE BELLO - QVE FIDELIS Männliche Figur mit Füllhorn, das sich auf das Stadtwappen stützt, unten Signatur RL. Sehr selten. Vorzüglich. NGC AU Details. Feine Patina. Kleine Randfehler. (Italy, duchy of Modena, Alfonso II d'Este, 1559-97, undated quarter scudo. Obverse: armored bust left; reverse: male nude with cornucopia supporting the ducal arms, initials "RL" below. Very rare, Extremely fine, Nicely toned, Minor edge nicks.)"
The Este family managed to remain Dukes of Modena from the sixteenth century until the coming of Napoleon in 1796. However, as Alfonso II was succeeded by his cousin Cesare, Ferrara was seized by the pope and incorporated into the Papal State. Altho the auctioneers catalogued this as undated, we see a clear "1571" below the bust.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: silver, this specimen 7.19 g.
Catalog reference: MIR 1342/2.
- [1]Richter, Jürg, SINCONA Auction 76, The Annemarie and Gerd Köhlmoos Collection, Zürich: SINCONA AG, 2022.
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