Alfonso II d'Este, 1533-1597, 5th Duke of Ferrara 1559 [obverse]

Domenico Poggini

National Gallery of Art

The sculpture is a detailed relief on a coin depicting a profile portrait of a man. The coin is predominantly a bronze color, suggesting it is made from a copper alloy. The sculpture presents the man in profile facing to the right, wearing ornate clothing with detailed patterns and a prominent button or clasp on his shoulder. Around the edge of the coin, there is an inscription following the contour, with dots encircling the outer edge. The material and color indicate it is designed to look like an old, possibly antique coin.