Italy. Francesco Farnese, duke of Parma and Piacenza, 1678-1729. Medal, 1696 (Bronze, 52.09 mm. 76 g.) by G. Hamerani. FRANC I PAR ET PLAC DVX, Cuirassed and draped bust right with long curling hair falling on his shoulder; on truncation, HAMERANVS. Rev. IVNGVNTVR VT IMPERENT, Allegorical figure of Justice on the right with scales and sword in front of the allegorical figure of the Christian faith holding a cross and a torch, both seating on clouds. In the left background is a round pillared building with four statues on the top and inside the entablature, DOMINI MDCIIIIC. Börner 1267. Molinari 112. Johnson 163. Struck. Extremely fine. Rare.
The medal evokes the idea that ducal power is based on the alliance between the Catholic faith and the proper administration of justice, in line with the policy of balance and papal legitimacy pursued by Francis in the early years of his reign after 1694.