They are very common both old and new Those are generally given out by the smaller lodges that don't want to spend the money for custom made lodge pennies. The die is cheaper and they can make them as needed. they come in any number of styles and designs. I have a number of them that are posted in the exonumia thread and the large lodge pennies
Yep. Masonic counterstamps on cents are fairly common, and have been, for a long time. Neat find, though.
Here is another Shriners on a dime. The retired mint employee who made the Masons pennies made this one, too.
Curiously Abraham Lincoln was not a Freemason although he did apply to for membership to the Tyrian Lodge in Springfield Illinois in 1860 but withdrew his application, he felt his application would be considered as a political ruse to obtain votes. Both Washington and Roosevelt were Freemasons, are there any counter stamped quarters or dimes out there?
It is all about the denomination not the portrait on it. I believe it has to do with a vow that is taken by a new mason.
I've got a couple coins or tokens attributed to the Masons . .. I find them intriguing and quite interesting. The one cent piece is from 1953.