Description
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
The complete list of French privy marks is listed below.
Antique Lamp (Lampe Antique) . March 1832 – October 1841, Gold and Silver strikes.
Anchor and C interlaced (Ancre et C) , October 1841 – Sept. 1842. Bronze, Silver, Gold.
Prou Antique (Antique Prow) , 1842 – 1845.
Pointing Hand (Main Indicatrice) , June 1845- October 1860.
Bee (Abeille) , November 1860 – December 1879.
Cornucopia (Corne d'Abondance) , Jan. 1, 1880 – present.
Cornucopia plus date of actual striking, 1966 – present.
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.
