M076
Copper, AU
51 mm (2”), 65.2 grams
HISTORY: Also known as the Universal Exhibition of Art and Industry, this 7th World’s Fair was hosted by Paris from April 1 through November 3, 1867. It was held on the Champ de Mars, a 165-acre (66.8-hectare) site and was attended by 6,800,000 visitors.
OBVERSE: Charles-Louis Napoléon Bonaparte (1808‒1873), “NAPOLEON III EMPEREUR,” was the last French monarch named Napoleon. He was responsible for initiating the 7th World’s Fair.
This medal was designed by the French sculptor, medalist, and educator Franҫois Joseph Hubert Ponscarme (1827–1903). He studied at École nationale supérieure des Beaux-Arts, where he also began teaching in 1871. His signature, “H. PONSCARME F.” is at bottom right beneath the Napoleon bust.
REVERSE: “EXPOSITION UNIVERSELLE DE 1867 A PARIS COMMISSION IMPERIALE” frames the winged goddess Nike, hovering over Earth while holding out a blueprint plan of the exposition grounds. Nike is the Greek goddess of victory, strength, and speed.
EDGE: Smooth, the bottom edge engraved with the Paris Mint hallmark bee (abeille) followed by “CUIVRE” (copper).
