I am stumped on this one. Size is about the diameter of a US half dollar. Any advice to get me started? Country? Thanks in advance.
It looks like some type of Masonic Penny. There are lots of different varieties. Here is an example of one type
What you have appears to be a Masonic Penny token like the one below. Yours, in my opinion, seems to be from Lodge No. 263 or 363. https://en.numista.com/catalogue/pieces158294.html
The Masonic Penny, Masonic Chapter Penny, Mark Penny, Masonic Coin, or Masonic Token, is a coin or medallion made and used by some Masonic lodges. They are given to members during initiation ceremonies or meetings. The Royal Arch Masons almost always issue Masonic Pennies to their members. These are specialized Masonic lodges sometimes called York Rite Masons. The lodges sometimes use the abbreviation R.A.M. on their pennies. Most Royal Arch chapters have disbanded. The pennies are usually 30 mm to 35 mm in diameter, similar in size to the old pre-decimal English penny (31 mm). They are manufactured by commercial medal makers or Masonic regalia companies. Most have generic designs and the names of the chapters on them. Some have the Biblical Ark of the Covenant on them or the HTWSSTKS emblem which means "Hiram of Tyre, Widow's Son, Sent To King Solomon". American Masonic Pennies are not worth much as there are thousands of varieties made for thousands of lodges and few people collect them. There are a few rare ones. One such is the one made for the Innsmouth Massachusetts lodge which was closed in the 1920's. This one is my favorite: Masonic Penny Berkeley California - Berkeley Chapter 92 Bronze, 31 mm, 9.15 gm Obverse: BERKELEY CHAPTER No. 92 R.A.M. / CALIFORNIA / University of California Greek Theatre Reverse: CHARTERED APRIL 18, 1906 / ONE PENNY / HTWSSTKS emblem This chapter has disbanded. The Original Poster's (OP's) penny appears to have been a member's pocket piece due to the wear.
Wow. You all are the best! Thanks to you, learned it is a Brooklyn, NY Ridgewood Chapter #263 Masonic token. https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/vintage-brooklyn-ny-ridgewood-chapter-1991075170 Mystery solved.
