Original 1860s French campaign medal for the Mexico Expedition under Emperor Napoleon III
Key Information:
Country: France
Type: Campaign Medal – Expedition du Mexique
Reign: Napoleon III (1852–1870)
Period: 1862–1863
Material: Silver
Designer: Albert Barre (signed BARRE on obverse)
Diameter approx.: 30.66 mm
Ribbon: Original with woven eagle-and-serpent Mexican motif
Medal Design:
For condition, please refer to the pictures, all dimensions are approx.
Obverse shows the laureate head of Emperor Napoleon III with the legend NAPOLEON III EMPEREUR.
Reverse inscribed EXPEDITION DU MEXIQUE and campaign battles CUMBRES – CERRO-BORREGO – SAN-LORENZO – PUEBLA – MEXICO within a laurel wreath, dated 1862–1863.
Condition:
Excellent example with dark patina and minor age wear. All inscriptions and details sharp. Ribbon original period piece showing light soiling consistent with age.
Historical and Collectible Significance:
Instituted in 1863, this medal was awarded to French troops who served in the Mexican campaign (1862–1867), an expedition launched by Emperor Napoleon III to establish a French-backed monarchy in Mexico under Emperor Maximilian I.
Authentic pieces with original ribbons are increasingly scarce and highly sought by collectors of 19th-century French and colonial military awards.
Summary:
Original French Mexican Expedition Medal 1862–1863 in silver with the desirable eagle-and-serpent ribbon.
A historically important and collectible Franco-Mexican campaign decoration.
Please refer to the pictures.