Masonic Numismatics.

Master a copper com was struck and circulated , Avhich was the first of its kind ever issued in this country . They were thus alluded to at the time , according to a correspondent in the "Freemason" ( Nov . 27 th , 1875 ) :

" In the course of the past month some copper pieces , newly struck from a die which appears to be executed in a style superior to any of the provincial coins at present in circulation came to the hands of the proprietor of this magazine . On inspection they appear

to be be called Masonic Tokens , and to have been invented by a brother , Avho intended them to serve as pocket pieces ; but , either from the novelty of the idea or the excellence of the Avorkmanship , it Avould appear that many persons have

been content to receive them in change as halfpence , in the same manner as tho Liverpool , Norwich , Lancaster , Anglesey , Bungay , Macclesfield , Leek , Manchester , Coventry , etc ., coins have acquired credit and ' currency" ( 1794 ) .

We gave a sketch of this token in the " Freemasons' Magazine " for 25 th July , 1868 ( with an engraving ) , and again returned to the subject in the " Freemason " for June 12 th , 1875 . Since then many communications have been sent to the latter magazine respecting the matter , and mainly illustrative of the different Avoids engraved on the rim .

1 . The first struck Ave take tobethe accompanying Illustrations ( Fig . 1 ) , on the rim of which is "Masonic Token , J . Schichley , Fecit 1794 , " so that the token Avas manufactured by Schichley in the year 1794 , being two years after the installation of the M . W . G . M . The arms are those of the

Grand Lodge of England ( " Modems" ) prior to the Union of 1813 , and are thus described ( when in colours ) : Quarterl y per squares , countercharged vert : In the first quarter Azure a Lion Rampant Or : In the second quarter , Or , an Ox passant ,

Sable : In the third quarter Or , a man Avith hands erect , proper , robed crimson and ermine : In the 4 th quarter Azure , an eagle displayed , Or . The Supporters are Beavers ( as operative builders ) , and the Crest Ave presume is the Dove above a Globe . The motto is Amor Hotm et Justitia . Around

the Arms aro the words " Prince of Wales elected G . M . 24 th Nov ., 1790 . " On the reverse is a cupid Avithleft hand supporting a plumb rule , the mallet and troAvel are at the feet , and the right hand is pointing to tho letter G , which is

immediately beloAV the '' all-seeing eye" ( eraeliatecl ) , the Avhole being enclosed Avithin a triangle , having at the tAvo lower angles the Square and Compasses and the Yolumo of the Sacred LaAv ( or Hour Glass ) . In the background is a representation of

Clouds , Avhich is generally most indistinct in the Tokens Ave have seen . On the sides of the Triangle are the words " Wisdom , Strength and Beauty" and the border contains the motto Sit Lux Ft Lux Fuit . The most perfect of the kind Ave have seen

Aveighs a trifle over quarter of an ounce , the diameter being fully one inch and an eighth , and the thickness about a sixteenth of an inch . The coin is really a very

handsome specimen for the period , and a capital suitable and popular souvenir of the auspicious event it Avas intended to commemorate . The arms of the Grand Lodge of England already referred to Avere not quite the same as those on the Token . The " office seal" has onlthe Dove above the

y shield , but on the " Charter Seed'' a helmet occurs in the place of the Globe , Avhich Avill be observed in the engraving of the Token is immediately under the Crest . The motto also differs , that of the Grand Lodge being " Relief ' and Truth . "

2 . We have met with quite a number of these tokens , all agreeing with the No . 1 , excepting that the Avords on the rims vary considerably . Of this class , not including the first , the most numerous is No . 2 , which has the folloAving : — "Masonic

Halfpenny Token MDGCXGIV . X . X . X . " The R . W . Bro . William Kelly ( P . Prov . GJL Leicester ) has given an excellent account of this issue in the "Freemason" of the llth

Sep ., 1875 . 3 . The third in our series states , " Half penny , payable at the Black Horse , Tower Hill , " and Avas first noted by a correspondent ( E . S . ) in the " Freemason , " July 31 st , 1875 .

4 . The fourth has engraved thereon , " Payable in Lancaster , London or Bristol . 5 . The fifth "Payable at London" only and is very scarce .