Italy, Modena, Duchy. Alfonso I d’Este, second reign, 1527-1534. Testone (Silver, 27mm, 5.95 g 12). ALPHONSVS.DVX.FERRARIAE.III. Bearded head of Alfonso I to left. Rev. S-GEMINIANVS.MVTINAE.ANTISTES. St. Geminianus, nimbate and wearing mitre and robes, flying to right, rescuing a child fallen from the cathedral tower to right. CNI IX, p. 201, 4. MIR 637. RM 18. Extremely rare. Toned and with a powerful portrait. Some minor scratches and with deposits as found, otherwise , nearly extremely fine.

From a Swiss collection, ex Numismatica Ars Classica 60, 7 June 2011, 71 and Finarte 189, 7 November 1974, 411.

For Alfonso I d’Este see Ferrara. The reverse shows the patron saint of Modena, St. Geminianus (he was Bishop of Modena and died in 390) flying through the air to rescue an infant who was, somehow, allowed to go to the top of the cathedral bell tower and fall off. These coins must have been issued in very small numbers, perhaps only as donatives for supporters of the Duke.