Ferrara. Ercole I d'Este Idra (Testone) ND (1471-1505) AU55 NGC, Biaggi-769 (R2), MIR-255 (R). 7.68gm. A beautiful type which perfectly captures the historical and artistic movements precipitated by the Renaissance. Fully medallic in execution in following with the revival of medallic art under Pisanello, the Testone introduced in 1474 in Milan under the Sforzas here has already reached a remarkable height. Despite the general simplicity of the designs, the reversal portrayal of the classical mythological hydra nevertheless carries with it a perceptible symbolic clout. Not often seen so well-preserved, we would note that this piece is currently the finer of only two yet seen by NGC, with the other ranking a full 15 points lower at XF40.

HID09801242017

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