Masonic Pennies

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While searching on eBay I found a couple of pennies that had been stamped by an individual with the Masonic logo. My question(s) are: Is there a specific reason why they do this? Do any other organizations do this? How do they do it? and what equipment and tools are needed to create your own mark on a penny?

The "Masonic Pennies" that you are asking about are given to entry level members of the Masons. Freemasonry is a fraternal organization, existing in various forms worldwide. The membership has shared moral and metaphysical ideals and in most of its branches requires a constitutional declaration of belief in a Supreme Being.

The tools used to manufacture these pennies include a hammer and a punch that is created to have the Masonic logo on it. The logo is comprised of the Masonic Square and Compasses and can be found with or without the letter G.

The photo below shows what the punch looks like, it is on the right. There is a photo of the logo as it is seen on the punch and a picture of a 1955 Lincoln Cent that has been struck by the punch. It is probably important to mention that the punches seem to be for sale to anyone so these pennies can be created by any person who owns one of these punches. I have seen the current type of "Masonic Penny" for sale for as little as twenty cents each.

The piece seen at the top of the photo is an Older "Royal Arch Chapter" Masonic Penny. The one shown is from a chapter in Lebanon, Pennsylvania but there are many that were struck representing the various Chapters. They were carried by the members of the fraternal organization. One side will usually name the Chapter and note the date that the Chapter was chartered. The opposite side of the Masonic Penny will usually depict a "Keystone" and the letters HTWSSTKS in a ring. The letters signify Hiram, Tyrian, Widow's Son, Sendeth To King Solomon. These older pieces are quite collectible

jagraf1@comcast.net commented on 13 Jan 2008, 14:36:22
I have a silver colored penny like this dated 1937 with the masonic symbol stamped at the 6 o'clock position on the front of the penny. Is it worth anything?