He first studied painting and sculpture, working under Lecoq de Boisbaudran, Augustin-Alexandre Dumont and Hubert Ponscarme, his mentor, was largely responsible for the renewal of medallic art at the end of the nineteenth century.

Roty, in particular, introduced the Renaissance form of the plaquette, which further emphasized the significance of the medal as a work of art.

Following some difficulties early in his career, in 1882 Roty won the second prize in the Prix de Rome.

Besides a huge number of medals and plaquettes, Roty is well known as the designer of the "Semeuse" image on French silver coins and stamps.

A large number of his medals and plaquettes can be viewed in the Kunsthalle Hamburg and the Musée Oscar Roty in Jargeau, France.