© Numismatica Ars Classica NAC AG
© Numismatica Ars Classica NAC AG
Testone "leggere" - Ercole I Reggio ND
| Silver | 3.8 g | 24 mm |
| Issuer | Duchy of Modena and Reggio (Italian States) |
|---|---|
| Duke | Ercole I (1471-1505) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 1502-1505 |
| Value | Testone of 7 Soldi, 3 Denari (0.36) |
| Currency | Scudo |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 3.8 g |
| Diameter | 24 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#305032 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Shield of Reggio in the shape of a horse's head
Script: Latin
Lettering: REGIVM LEPIDI
Comment
The coin can be dated to 1502 or later by a mint edict issued in March 1502.CNI cites a single example with weight 2.62 g., but the two examples which sold most recently measured 3.69 and 3.87 g.
Giannantonio da Foligno was the engraver. His design may have been the model for Dosso Dossi's famous portrait of Ercole, which uses the same hat, but was executed after Ercole's death:
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Testone "leggere" - Ercole I (Reggio) ND (1502-1505) coin is that it features an image of Hercules, the mythological hero, on its obverse side. This is a unique feature among coins of the Italian States, and it was likely included to highlight the powerful and strong reputation of the Duchy of Modena and Reggio.
