Over 120 copper-based medals forming part of the French medals collection of the British Museum were analyzed by means of x-ray fluorescence spectrometry, using a modified version. The accuracy of the method is discussed, and unusually high trace elements are reported. The results indicate the types and ranges of alloys, copper, bronze, brass, and gunmetal, for three categories of medals, as follows: 26 struck medals, 97 cast medals, and 8 gilded medals. The presence of lead is noted as higher in later copies of cast medals. Conclusions are drawn on the date and place of manufacture of the medals, and it is ascertained that the mode of manufacture, whether striking, casting, or gilding, imposed constraints on alloy compositions. The matter of attribution is studied as well. It is hoped to include these results in a larger database with the aim of outlining workshop practices to enable the differentiation between original medals and aftercasts or copies. -- AATA