(1880-1898) Bronze Medal Betts-594, William Washington Restrike, Cornucopia

Coin Details

Auction Record

$432 MS65 08-22-2018 Stack's Bowers

Description

This bronze restrike of the William Washington at Cowpens medal (Betts-594) was produced at the Paris Mint during the 1880-98 restrike period, identified by its cornucopia edge mark. The cornucopia (horn of plenty) was the standard edge mark of the Paris Mint during the Third Republic, replacing the earlier anchor, hand, and bee marks of preceding eras. This late restrike of the Comitia Americana medal honoring William Washington's cavalry charge at Cowpens on January 17, 1781 represents the final generation of Paris Mint reproductions of the American Revolution medals. By the 1880-98 period, interest in American Revolutionary medals was growing among both French and American collectors, and the Paris Mint satisfied this demand with systematic restrike campaigns across the full range of Betts catalog subjects.

Rarity Notes

Paris Mint bronze restrike, 1880-98 period. Cornucopia edge mark. More available than earlier restrike periods.

Cross References

Betts-594; William Washington at Cowpens; Comitia Americana; cornucopia edge