Confusion over 1880 Paris mint marks: pls offer advice !

Rombalds

I understand that the Paris mint introduced the Cornucopia (Corne d'abondance) edge mark in 1880. I also believe that in 1843 bronze medals were stamped CUIVRE on the edge and that in 1880, BRONZE was substituted for CUIVRE.

My dilemma is this: I have medals with both the Cornucopia (suggesting a post-1880 date) and CUIVRE (suggesting a pre-1880 date).

Any advice as to resolution? Thanks for any input …..

mudskippie

Cuivre is different than bronze and is still used even after 1880. My French/English translated cuivre to brass, but I'm not sure. I have 2 medals that were created by Oscar Roty; one marked cuivre and one marked bronze. The one marked cuivre has the brass color.

harasha

I had thought that cuivre is French for copper. In fact, I believe that some medals of mine, marked cuivre, clearly show copper where the silvering has worn off the high spots.

mudskippie

I think Harasha is correct. Cuivre is copper 'cause laiton is brass.