I’m really not sure how to classify this piece. Is it to be considered a Masonic Penny? Is it an encased coin? Is it folk art? A hockey puck? A paperweight? Perhaps, a weapon . . . . . ? This monster measures a full 63mm in diameter and weighs in at 355 grams of solid copper. The obverse displays an encased 1940-D Lincoln Cent and is hand engraved with familiar masonic images and the names of 14 individuals. The reverse displays a second encased Lincoln wheat cent and is blank, as is its edge. Given this copper disk is a full 10mm in diameter, it took two cents to give the effect the maker intended. The date of the cent on the reverse is a mystery, but imagine how cool it would be if the cent on the reverse bore the initials “V.D.B.” . . . . . . ? Other mysteries are the date of its manufacture and under which Chapter this massive disk was made. One can assume it’s creation does not pre-date 1940, but does the selection of a cent from that year bear any clues as to when it might have actually been made? Has anyone seen anything similar or its equal? So how would you classify this piece? Is this a “Masonic Penny”? Is it an encased cent? Is it folk art? A paperweight? What say you . . . . . ? Anyway, on to the photos. Z
Looks like it could have been a creative cornerstone marker for a Masonic Lodge. Maybe the cent date has significance to a Lodge number?
That would be Uber cool. There is clearly space between the Lincoln Cent on the obverse and reverse. I wonder if anything is between? A virtual time capsule? Z
Maybe take it to a masonic lodge, and see if any of the names ring their bell. The lodge could have some neat info.
Crudely hand engraved award to someone. One of a kind. Maybe some Masonic member would pay premium bucks for it. Otherwise, just a unique paper weight.
I found something similar on worthpoint https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/vintage-masonic-copper-coin-535221756
