Silver struck medal with obverse showing figure of Liberty holding laurel wreath and pole surmounted by Phrygian cap; at left are tools of agriculture and sailing ship in the background; at right -- symbols of American state and cornucopia; legend above: "AMERICAN INSTITUTE."; inscription in exergue: "NEW YORK." Reverse has space for engraving at center, surrounded by laurel and oak wreath, with legend: "AWARDED/TO" and inscription: "C. Volkert/For the best/Inlaid Wood Work./1852."