Expert: Ronald Fern - 3/1/2010

Question
the coin i have is not a currency coin. It has no value on it. I have spent much time looking it up on on-line to no avail. I have found only one other search from it. It was another article i found on this site.

On one side of it is has the upper part of lady liberty facing complete forward. There are lines of light coming from the crown outward. the lines do not go below where the crown is on the coin. Beside lady's arm says "I LIFT MY LAMP BESIDE THE GOLDEN DOOR"

Along the edge are the words "ETERNAL VIGILANCE IS THE PRICE OF LIBERTY" Starting at bottom center it says "FREEDOM 1986" on the left side there are seven * before the start of the quote then at the other side there are six * to connect all of it into an unbroken ring around the edge

The back has the liberty head at profile. She is wearing a crown that says LIBERTY on it(you see the complete word). The crown is worn more like you would wear a headband. there are acorns and two oak leaves and what looks like wheat standing in the top of it. Around the edge is eight * on the left going up from the bottom center to the words E . Pluribus. Unum then 6 *. It seems to be made of bronze.

If you can tell me anything about the coin's origins or where it may have come from that would be much appreciated. thank you.

Scarlet

Answer
Hi Scarlet:

Thanks for giving me the opportunity to try and answer your question.

It's best if you could attach photos of your item along with your description to give me the opportunity to try and pinpoint what you have. I'll answer the best I can, but if you want to ask follow-up question and provide photos, I'll revise my reply as warranted.

I'm not sure what AllExperts reply you are referring to. I found one with a photo. Does this look like your item? See: http://en.allexperts.com/q/Coin-Collecting-2297/2009/8/need-coin-identify.htm

I found a reference in the web of a group that was formed about the same time as the medallion was struck. It is called the "Freedom Alliance" Organization. It's possible this item was struck to commemorate the start of this group.
See: http://www.freedomalliance.org/pdf_articles/Anniv_Report.pdf

I also found several similar type tokens listed on eBay. See: http://shop.ebay.com/i.html?_kw=1986%26_kw=LIBERTY%26_kw=token#item53dda692d6

Sorry, I could find any additional specific information listed on your piece.

There are private mints that make tokens and medals to commemorate special events. They are usually made in the thousands to tens of thousands. Interest is some pieces is limited, and the after market, months to years after the event ends, is sometimes weak, lending to the result that many of these private tokens and medals never appreciate in value significantly.

You might want to contact the following site to see if they can help to add any information on your piece: http://www.tokenandmedal.org/

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Thank You and Good Luck in your collecting.