Henri-Auguste Patey

Patey studied sculpture with Henri Chapu and engraving and medal making with Jules-Clément Chaplain.

In 1875, he won the second Prix de Rome for medal engraving and in 1881 he won the first Grand prix de Rome, also for medal engraving.

He produced many portrait medals, not only of clients, but also of relatives and friends.

He succeeded Jean Lagrange as chief engraver of the Paris mint in 1896, a position he held until his death.

The white metal was taken for silver and the coin confused with the 1 franc, in spite of a completely different design.