Object Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
1979.1664me |
Object Name |
Coin, Commemorative |
Title |
Masonic Coin with Portrait of Benjamin Franklin |
Artist |
Unknown |
Date |
1979 |
Description |
Obverse: Three-quarter portrait bust of Benjamin Franklin with quill pen and signature in center. "PRINTER PHILOSOPHER SCIENTIST STATESMAN DIPLOMAT FREEMASON" and ring of stars around perimeter. Reverse: Masonic symbol in center (face and rays of light in center of triangle). "R.W. GRAND MASTER OF MASONS IN PENNSYLVANIA." around inner perimeter. "WALTER PIERRE WELLS 1978-1979" around outer perimeter. |
Label |
Struck in honor of Walter Pierre Wells, Grand Master of the Pennsylvania Grand Lodge of Freemasons from 1978 to 1979, this medallion includes common Masonic imagery, as well as a portrait of famous mason Benjamin Franklin. Freemasonry began in Britain in the early modern period, when working masons began to include honorary members in their lodges to bolster their numbers. Modern Freemasonry then adopted symbols of ancient religious orders and chivalric brotherhoods. Franklin joined the Freemasons in 1731, partly to form connections with other prominent Philadelphians. He remained involved in Freemasonry throughout his life, serving as Grand Master for Pennsylvania in 1734 and 1749. Included on the reverse of this medal is the Eye of Providence, a common Masonic symbol for divine providence. A version of this symbol is included on the seal of the United States and the back of the one-dollar bill. |
Material |
brass |
Dimensions |
D-0.125 Dia-1.5 inches |
Credit line |
American Philosophical Society. Gift of the Grand Lodge F. & A. M. of Pennsylvania, 13 September 1979. |
Search Terms |
20th century twentieth century Founding Father freemasonry commemorative |