I have acquired a few curious items called Masonic pennies. They were given to lodge members and symbolize a faithful days’ wages. To become a Mason, they had to have a belief in a non-denominational Supreme Being. This embraced nearly any individual belief, not a real barrier to acceptance. However, the Church mistrusted this open mindedness. Can any church allow its member be exposed to different ideas then their official church doctrine?
Common Masonic symbols include the Masonic Square and Compasses, often found with the letter G. These are often seen on the Masonic Penny. The letters A.R.C. are Royal Arch Chapter. The Chapter and the date it was chartered are usually displayed. Often shown is a keystone with the letters HTWSSTKS which mean Hiram, Tyrian, Widow’s Son, Sendeth To King Solomon. When this appeared on a gravestone, it meant someone had completed his or her degrees to become a Royal Arch Mason. On this coin below is a backwards swastika. This must be an old token from before World War Two. Before the war the swastika was a symbol of good. Afterwards it’s symbolizm was forever changed.
In the past a Masonic chapter penny was a personally prized possession, and could be used as collateral for borrowing money. When the debt was repaid, the valued coin was returned. In history a penny had metaphysical significance. Pennies were placed on the eyes of the dead, or in the mouth of the dead to pay the ferryman on his journey of the dead through the River Styx.
This last Masonic penny at the bottom puzzled me. I don’t understand the geometric symbols presented. I wonder what they mean. Greek alphabet? I don’t know. Can anybody solve this?