Expert: Neil S Berman - 4/17/2010

Question
I cannot find record of through the internet One side says The American Institute NEW YORK and it has a picture of a lady, eagle, shield, basket of fruit. The other side says The Medal of Excellence awarded to "Easy Starting Whiffletree Co., For Easy Starting Whiffletree. 1881  Any idea about what it is or what its worth?  It seems like bronze/copper in color and it is about an inch and half across and quite heavy.
I know that its not currency but I was wondering if you had any idea about it any?
Thank you.

Answer
You have a privately made medal. There are tens of thousands of these made since the invention of the steam press in the 1830s. One can see a hundred different ones at the end of many coin auctions, and they tend not to bring much unless they are designed by someone special or are commemorating something special.