  In this paper we report on the first simultaneous optical and X-ray
(Beppo-SAX) observations of the radio-quiet AGN 1H0419-577. The optical
spectrum clearly leads us to classify this source as a Seyfert 1. The X-ray
spectrum is, however, somewhat at odds with this classification: a simple flat
(Gamma ~ 1.55) and featureless power--law is a good description of the whole
1.8-40 keV spectrum, even if the upper limit to a broad iron line is not very
tight. An analysis of a still unpublished ROSAT observation of the same target
reveals that the soft X-ray spectrum has undergone a transition from a steep
(Gamma ~ 2.5) to a flat (Gamma ~ 1.55) state, at least in the 0.7-2 keV band.
If this difference is due to a remarkably variable soft excess, it is unlikely
that a single component is responsible for the optical/UV/soft X-ray spectral
distribution. The hypothesis that the difference is due to a change in the
primary X-ray continuum and its implications for current Comptonization models
are discussed.
