FRANCE 1855 Universal Exposition Paris, 60mm copper medal 108 grams by A. Barre

Obverse: bust of Napoleon III facing right, ALBERT BARRE

Reverse: French Royal Coat of Arms surrounded with shields representing the 20 nations who participated in the exposition. Woven among these images is a ribbon inscribed: EXPOSITION UNIVERSALLE AGRICULTURE INDUSTRIE BEAUX-ARTS / PARIS 1855

Edge: Pointing Hand privy mark (Paris Mint) CUIVRE - Indicating it was struck between June 1845- October 1860, or in this case at the time of the event.

Albert Désiré Barre (1818 – 1878), was a French engraver, medalist, and the 18th Chief Engraver of the Paris Mint from 27 February 1855 to his death. He was the son of Jacques-Jean Barre who preceded him as the Chief Engraver. His brother Jean-Auguste Barre, a French sculptor and medalist, succeeded him as Chief Engraver after his death in Paris.

**I do not know the history of these medals. I discovered them at my father‘s house, but he has dementia and can no longer tell me about them. They were all in a display case marked $750. I am trying to research each one give the best information I can, which is why I’ve included screenshots. if you know something, I don’t, please let me know!**