Firenze. Alessandro de’Medici duke of the Florentine Republic, 1532-1537; second period, 1533-1537. Mezzo giulio dies by Benvenuto Cellini, AR 1.69 g. ø 24 mm. ALEXANDER MED R P FLOREN DVX Crowned Medici arms. Rev. S IOANNES BAPTISTA Nimbate half figure of St. John, slightly to l., holding a long cross. Galeotti XXVIII/1. MIR 105 (R3). Very rare and in exceptional condition for the issue, possibly the finest specimen in private hands. Light iridescent tone and good extremely fine Alessandro de’ Medici, traditionally regarded as the illegitimate son of Lorenzo de’ Medici, Duke of Urbino, became ruler of Florence in 1530 after the restoration of Medici authority. In 1532 Emperor Charles V formally invested him with the title of Duke of the Florentine Republic. His coinage reflects the transition from the republican monetary tradition to the new Medici ducal regime. Alessandro employed the celebrated Florentine goldsmith and sculptor Benvenuto Cellini at the mint, entrusting him with the engraving of dies for several denominations, including the 40 soldi, giulio and half-giulio. Cellini's coins are notable for their sophisticated portraiture and Renaissance artistry. Alessandro's short and troubled rule ended with his assassination in Florence in 1537, after which he was succeeded by his cousin Cosimo, of a junior branch of the Medici family. Please find here the video of the coin