Reggio Emilia. Alfonso I d'Este, 1505–1512 and 1523–1534. First period: 1505–1512. Ducato, AV 3.42 g. ø 24 mm. ALFONSVS DVX III Armoured bust l. Rev. S PROSPER – EPS REGII St. Prosper, seated facing on throne, giving blessing and holding crosier; in exergue, coat of arms of the City. CNI 1. Bernareggi 209 (this coin illustrated). Ravegnani Morosini 22. MIR 1271 (R4). Friedberg 980. Extremely rare, only very few specimens known. A portrait of superb style, slightly wavy flan, otherwise good very fine From the Ernesto Bernareggi collection. The coinage of Alfonso I d’Este struck at Reggio Emilia is notably rare, particularly when compared with the more extensive series produced at the Este mints of Ferrara and Modena. One important reason is the limited activity of the Reggio mint under Alfonso I. Reggio Emilia was not the principal centre of Este monetary production, and its output was considerably smaller than that of Ferrara. Moreover, the Reggio issues appear to have been produced in relatively restricted quantities and for specific monetary requirements rather than as a continuous series. The political and economic circumstances of Reggio also played a role. During Alfonso's reign, the Este territories were affected by the Italian Wars with changes in political control, military expenditure and local economic conditions influencing minting activity. Consequently, surviving examples of Reggio coinage are scarce, while many specimens that were originally struck have presumably been lost through normal circulation, melting and later recoinage. Please find here the video of the coin