France, II Empire. A Medal of the Mexico Expedition with Original Ribbon, c.1863

(Médaille commémorative de l'expédition du Mexique). Instituted August 29, 1863. In silver, the obverse presenting the left facing bust of Napoleon III, surrounded by the inscription NAPOLEON III EMPEREUR, the reverse features the central inscription CUMBRES CERRO-BORREGO SAN–LORENZO PUEBLA MÉXICO, surrounded by a ring inscribed EXPEDITION DU MEXIQUE 1862-63, reverse marked with eagle head, measures 30mm (w) x 35mm (h), suspended from original ring and worn on original ribbon, weighs 14.9 grams (including ribbon), dark patina, wear to ribbon.

Footnote: The Mexico Expedition Medal was created by the decree of August 29, 1863 and was awarded to all those who participated in the Expedition from 1862-1863. An estimated 90000 Medals were produced by the Monnaie de Paris.