1867 France Medal Napoleon III Universal Exhibition Services Rendered Ponscarme
Description: A nice thick and heavy Copper French medal from 1867. This is the unusual medal awarded for "Services Rendered" at the Universal Exhibition held in Paris in 1867. The obverse of the medal has the image of Napoleon III emperor of France at the time, facing left with a laurel in his hair and having the legend "NAPOLEON III EMPEREUR" surrounding it. There is the name "H. PONSCARME.F." in raised lettering below the emperor’s head. The reverse shows the image of a winged female figure representing Fame carrying a plan of the exhibition flying over the top of the Globe. The image is framed with a solid line creating a frame when combined with the raised edge if the medal. The framed edge of the reverse has the legend "EXPOSITION.UNIVERSALE.DE.1867.A.PARIS.COMMISSION.IMPERIALE" followed by the words (Pour.Services.Rendus) in parenthesis. This medal unlike all the ones you see on eBay was awarded for services rendered and is much scarcer than the similar medals with the exact same design but without the frame along the edge of the reverse and the indication of being awarded for services rendered. The edge of the medal is marked with the image of a Bee and the word "CUIVRE". A great looking, unusual, and very interesting medal to add to your collection. Please carefully review the photos as they are part and parcel of our description.
Date: 1867.
Origin: Paris Mint.
Reference: NA
Artist: François Joseph Hubert Ponscarme
Weight and Size: The medal weighs ~63.6 grams, is ~51 millimeters in diameter, and ~4 millimeters thick at the edge.
Maker: Paris Mint.
Marks: Marked "H. PONSCARME.F." on both obverse and reverse and with the image of a Bee and the word "CUIVRE" along the edge.
Condition: The medal is in excellent condition and I would grade it as uncirculated. The medal shows no observable wear and has a minimum of surface marks or blemishes. It is problem free and has great eye appeal. This is beautiful medal worthy of a spot your collection. Please view photos for additional condition information and to appreciate the beauty of the piece.
