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BKJG's Northwest Illinois Masonic Pennies

Category:  Token & Medals
Last Modified:  10/3/2024
Set Description
The excerpt from Masonic Chapter Pennies of the United States and Canada best explains the origin and what Masonic Chapter Pennies represent. The Pennies displayed in this collection are exclusively from the corner of Northwest Illinois.

“The Masons have existed since at least the 16th century. They built many fine churches, abbeys, and other public buildings in Europe and the United Kingdom. During this early period in our history, few could read, and for work to be identified, each member had to select a mark for himself. He could normally make this with a chisel and mallet using straight lines and angles. This mark would be placed on each piece of work he performed; i.e., a stone shaped for use in the building would have a mark on it so that it could be identified should the need arise. Later, the "mark penny" was used to identify the members.

Mason's, or "mark pennies," were introduced around 1880 but did not come into general use until about 1900. They are given to a new member so that he might record his mark thereon. Ensuring fair compensation was a prominent aspect of the community of Royal Arch Masons. Upon attaining the esteemed status of a Royal Arch Mason, individuals were bestowed with a symbolic penny that represented a day's wages. The practice developed further during the 19th century when US or foreign coins would be shaved and transformed into these special pennies.

Dr. B.F. Wright, the esteemed fifth President of ANA, was an early pioneer in cataloging pennies through articles published in The Numismatist from 1901 to 1904. His notable work on this subject later became available as three comprehensive booklets. Wright expressed his regret that Masonic Chapters often withheld their pennies from fellow Masons, subsequently creating an opportunity for Masons to delve into collecting these valuable coins.

The Albert M. Hanauer Collection was assembled in the 1920s and cataloged by E. A. King under Masonic Chapter Pennies.

In 2015, William Waken and Richard Watley began cataloging significant collections like the King Collection (to the best of their abilities), Maurice Storck Collection, WW Gator, Waken, and a few others. However, they faced limitations with the available technology at that time. Their publication from 2015 serves as a valuable resource for gauging Chapter rarity within these collections.

Masonic pennies comprise several metals, brass, and bronze being the most common. The most common design is a round penny, with the obverse divided into three spaces by two concentric circles. The center circle will have "ONE PENNY" or may be blank. Almost every piece shows the name of the Chapter and the date that the chapter was chartered. It is a standard error for the date to be mistaken as the date the piece was manufactured. Other pennies depict famous people, buildings, or events, as shown on the front cover. Almost all have a Keystone with a Chisel and Mallet on the reverse.
Collecting Masonic Pennies can be difficult because they were made to give to new members, with 100 or fewer produced for the smaller Chapters.”

Reference: Masonic Chapter Pennies of the United States and Canada Waken, William & Watley, Richard (2015)

Set Goals
Continue to collect an extensive collection of Masonic Chapter Pennies from around the Northwest Corner of Illinois.
Be able to be awarded an NGC Best Overall Custom Set award.

Slot Name
Origin/Country
Item Description
Full Grade
Owner Comments
Pics
View Coin Freeport,IL United States PENNY 1854-DATED MASONIC FREEPORT CHAPTER No. 23 FREEPORT, IL NGC MS 63 BN Rarity: R-0
Provenance:
Ex. Virgil Brand Collection
William Polhill Collection
View Coin Freeport,IL United States PENNY 1854-DATED MASONIC FREEPORT CHAPTER No. 23 FREEPORT, IL - BRASS NGC MS 64 Rarity: R-0
Provenance:
William Polhill Collection
View Coin Freeport,IL United States PENNY 1854-DATED MASONIC FREEPORT CHAPTER No. 23 FREEPORT, IL NGC AU 58 BN Rarity: R-0
Provenance:
William Polhill Collection
View Coin Freeport,IL United States PENNY 1854-DATED MASONIC FREEPORT CHAPTER No. 23 FREEPORT, IL NGC UNC Details Rarity: R-0
Provenance:
William Polhill Collection
View Coin Freeport,IL United States PENNY 1854-DATED MASONIC FREEPORT CHAPTER No. 23 FREEPORT, IL NGC MS 62 RB Rarity: R-0
Provenance:
William Polhill Collection
View Coin Freeport,IL United States PENNY 1854-DATED MASONIC FREEPORT CHAPTER No. 23 FREEPORT, IL NGC MS 63 RB Rarity: R-0
Provenance:
Virgil Brand Collection
William Polhill Collection
View Coin Freeport,IL United States PENNY 1854-DATED MASONIC FREEPORT CHAPTER No. 23 FREEPORT, IL NGC MS 64 BN Rarity: R-0
Provenance:
Virgil Brand Collection
William Polhill Collection
View Coin Freeport,IL United States PENNY 1854-DATED MASONIC FREEPORT CHAPTER No. 23 FREEPORT, IL NGC MS 65 RB Rarity: R-0
Provenance:
Ex. Virgil M. Brand Collection
William Polhill Collection
View Coin Freeport,IL United States PENNY 1854-DATED MASONIC FREEPORT CHAPTER No. 23 FREEPORT, IL NGC MS 63 BN Rarity: R-0
Provenance:
William Polhill Collection
View Coin Freeport,IL United States PENNY 1854-DATED MASONIC FREEPORT CHAPTER No. 23 FREEPORT, IL NGC MS 64 BN Rarity: R-0
View Coin Freeport,IL United States PENNY 1854-DATED MASONIC FREEPORT CHAPTER No. 23 FREEPORT, IL - ALUMINUM NGC MS 64 Rarity: R-0
Provenance:
William Polhill Collection
Ex. Virgil Brand Collection
View Coin Freeport,IL United States PENNY 1854-DATED MASONIC FREEPORT CHAPTER No. 23 FREEPORT, IL NGC VF 35 BN Rarity: R-0
Provenance:
William Polhill Collection
View Coin Freeport,IL United States PENNY 1854-DATED MASONIC FREEPORT CHAPTER No. 23 FREEPORT, IL William Polhill Coll. NGC AU Details Rarity: R-0
Provenance:
William Polhill Collection
View Coin Freeport,IL United States PENNY UNDATED AE MASONIC COMMANDRY #101 F.F. ROGERS-FREEPORT, IL William Polhill Coll. NGC AU Details Rarity 20
Provenance:
William Polhill Collection
Maurice A. Storck Collection
View Coin Freeport,IL United States PENNY 1854-DATED MASONIC FREEPORT CHAPTER No. 23 FREEPORT, IL - SILVER NGC MS 65 Rarity 20
Provenance:
William Polhill Collection
Maurice A. Storck Collection
View Coin Freeport,IL United States PENNY 1854-DATED MASONIC FREEPORT CHAPTER No. 23 FREEPORT, IL NGC MS 65 RB Rarity 0
View Coin Freeport,IL United States PENNY 1854-DATED MASONIC FREEPORT CHAPTER No. 23 FREEPORT, IL NGC AU 50 BN Rarity 0
Provenance:
William Polhill Collection
View Coin Rockford,IL United States PENNY 1855-DATED MASONIC WINNEBAGO CHAPTER No. 24 ROCKFORD, IL NGC XF 40 BN Rarity: R-33
Composition: Copper
Notes:
• The First Lodge (1851): The first Masonic Lodge in Rockford was Rockford Lodge #102, established in 1851. Many of its members would play important roles in the development of Rockford.
• Star in the East Lodge #166 (1855): Star in the East Lodge #166 was formed in 1855, with several founding members transitioning from Rockford Lodge #102. Edward F.W. Ellis, a prominent Rockford citizen and Civil War hero, was a founding member.
The Rockford Masonic Temple is a significant landmark in the city. Here's a bit of its history:
• Construction and Design: Built in 1914, the Rockford Masonic Temple is a grand example of Classical Revival architecture. Its stately design includes imposing columns and intricate stonework.
• Significance: The Temple was a hub for Masonic activity in Rockford for many decades. It housed meeting rooms, a ballroom, and other social spaces for lodge members.
Notable Rockford Masons
Throughout Rockford's history, many prominent citizens were members of the Masonic fraternity:
• Edward F.W. Ellis: A founding member of Star in the East Lodge #166, Ellis was a Civil War hero and an important figure in Rockford's early development.
• Other Influential Masons: Numerous mayors, business leaders, and other notable Rockford figures were members of the Masonic Lodges.
Provenance:
William Polhill Collection
View Coin Rockford,IL United States PENNY K-1406 MASONIC WINNEBAGO CHAPTER No. 24 ROCKFORD, IL NGC MS 64 BN Rarity: R-33
Composition: Copper
Notes: K-1406
• The First Lodge (1851): The first Masonic Lodge in Rockford was Rockford Lodge #102, established in 1851. Many of its members would play important roles in the development of Rockford.
• Star in the East Lodge #166 (1855): Star in the East Lodge #166 was formed in 1855, with several founding members transitioning from Rockford Lodge #102. Edward F.W. Ellis, a prominent Rockford citizen and Civil War hero, was a founding member.
The Rockford Masonic Temple is a significant landmark in the city. Here's a bit of its history:
• Construction and Design: Built in 1914, the Rockford Masonic Temple is a grand example of Classical Revival architecture. Its stately design includes imposing columns and intricate stonework.
• Significance: The Temple was a hub for Masonic activity in Rockford for many decades. It housed meeting rooms, a ballroom, and other social spaces for lodge members.
Notable Rockford Masons
Throughout Rockford's history, many prominent citizens were members of the Masonic fraternity:
• Edward F.W. Ellis: A founding member of Star in the East Lodge #166, Ellis was a Civil War hero and an important figure in Rockford's early development.
• Other Influential Masons: Numerous mayors, business leaders, and other notable Rockford figures were members of the Masonic Lodges.
Provenance:
Virgil Brand Collection
View Coin Rockford,IL United States PENNY K-1406 MASONIC WINNEBAGO CHAPTER No. 24 ROCKFORD, IL NGC MS 62 BN Rarity: R-33
Composition: Copper
Notes: K-1406
• The First Lodge (1851): The first Masonic Lodge in Rockford was Rockford Lodge #102, established in 1851. Many of its members would play important roles in the development of Rockford.
• Star in the East Lodge #166 (1855): Star in the East Lodge #166 was formed in 1855, with several founding members transitioning from Rockford Lodge #102. Edward F.W. Ellis, a prominent Rockford citizen and Civil War hero, was a founding member.
The Rockford Masonic Temple is a significant landmark in the city. Here's a bit of its history:
• Construction and Design: Built in 1914, the Rockford Masonic Temple is a grand example of Classical Revival architecture. Its stately design includes imposing columns and intricate stonework.
• Significance: The Temple was a hub for Masonic activity in Rockford for many decades. It housed meeting rooms, a ballroom, and other social spaces for lodge members.
Notable Rockford Masons
Throughout Rockford's history, many prominent citizens were members of the Masonic fraternity:
• Edward F.W. Ellis: A founding member of Star in the East Lodge #166, Ellis was a Civil War hero and an important figure in Rockford's early development.
• Other Influential Masons: Numerous mayors, business leaders, and other notable Rockford figures were members of the Masonic Lodges.
Provenance:
William Polhill Collection
View Coin Rockford,IL United States PENNY 1855-DATED MASONIC WINNEBAGO CHAPTER No. 24 ROCKFORD, IL NGC MS 61 BN Rarity: R-33
Composition: Copper
Notes:
• The First Lodge (1851): The first Masonic Lodge in Rockford was Rockford Lodge #102, established in 1851. Many of its members would play important roles in the development of Rockford.
• Star in the East Lodge #166 (1855): Star in the East Lodge #166 was formed in 1855, with several founding members transitioning from Rockford Lodge #102. Edward F.W. Ellis, a prominent Rockford citizen and Civil War hero, was a founding member.
The Rockford Masonic Temple is a significant landmark in the city. Here's a bit of its history:
• Construction and Design: Built in 1914, the Rockford Masonic Temple is a grand example of Classical Revival architecture. Its stately design includes imposing columns and intricate stonework.
• Significance: The Temple was a hub for Masonic activity in Rockford for many decades. It housed meeting rooms, a ballroom, and other social spaces for lodge members.
Notable Rockford Masons
Throughout Rockford's history, many prominent citizens were members of the Masonic fraternity:
• Edward F.W. Ellis: A founding member of Star in the East Lodge #166, Ellis was a Civil War hero and an important figure in Rockford's early development.
• Other Influential Masons: Numerous mayors, business leaders, and other notable Rockford figures were members of the Masonic Lodges.
Provenance:
William Polhill Collection
View Coin Polo,IL United States PENNY 1861-DATED MASONIC TYRIAN CHAPTER No. 61 POLO, IL - BRASS NGC MS 62 Rarity: R-16
Provenance:
William Polhill Collection
Maurice A. Storck Collection
View Coin Polo,IL United States PENNY 1861-DATED MASONIC TYRIAN CHAPTER No. 61 POLO, IL - SILVER NGC MS 64 Rarity: R-16
Provenance:
William Polhill Collection
Maurice A. Storck Collection
View Coin Polo,IL United States PENNY 1861-DATED MASONIC TYRIAN CHAPTER No. 61 POLO, IL NGC MS 64 RB Rarity: R-16
Provenance:
William Polhill Collection
Maurice A. Storck Collection
View Coin Polo,IL United States PENNY 1861-DATED MASONIC TYRIAN CHAPTER No. 61 POLO, IL - SILVER NGC MS 62 Rarity: R-16
Provenance:
Maurice A. Storck Collection
William Polhill Collection
View Coin Lena,IL United States PENNY 1866 MASONIC LENA CHAPTER No. 105 LENA, IL - BRONZE NGC UNC Details Rarity: R-3
Provenance:
William Polhill Collection
View Coin Lena,IL United States PENNY 1866 MASONIC LENA CHAPTER No. 105 LENA, IL - BRONZE NGC VF Details Rarity 3
Provenance:
William Polhill Collection
View Coin Lena,IL United States PENNY 1866 MASONIC LENA CHAPTER No. 105 LENA, IL - BRONZE NGC AU 50 BN Rarity 3
Provenance:
William Polhill Collection
View Coin Lanark,IL United States PENNY 1870-DATED MASONIC LANARK CHAPTER No. 139 LANARK, IL William Polhill Coll. NGC UNC Details Rarity: R-6
Provenance:
William Polhill Collection
View Coin Lanark,IL United States PENNY 1870-DATED MASONIC LANARK CHAPTER No. 139 LANARK, IL - ALUMINUM NGC AU Details Rarity: R-6
Provenance:
William Polhill Collection
Maurice A. Storck Collection
View Coin Lanark,IL United States PENNY 1870-DATED MASONIC LANARK CHAPTER No. 139 LANARK, IL NGC MS 63 RB Rarity: R-6
Provenance:
Maurice A. Storck Collection
William Polhill Collection
View Coin Warren,IL United States PENNY 1875-DATED MASONIC OLIVE CHAPTER No. 167 WARREN, IL William Polhill Coll. NGC AU Details Rarity: R-0
Provenance:
William Polhill Collection
Maurice A. Storck Collection
View Coin Warren,IL United States PENNY 1875-DATED MASONIC OLIVE CHAPTER No. 167 WARREN, IL NGC MS 62 BN Rarity: R-0
Provenance:
William Polhill Collection
Maurice A. Storck Collection
View Coin Warren,IL United States PENNY 1875-DATED MASONIC OLIVE CHAPTER No. 167 WARREN, IL NGC MS 61 BN Rarity: R-0
Provenance:
Maurice A. Storck Collection
William Polhill Collection
View Coin Warren,IL United States PENNY UNDATED MASONIC OLIVE CHAPTER No. 167 WARREN, IL - SILVER NGC MS 64 Rarity: 16
Provenance:
William Polhill Collection
Maurice A. Storck Collection
View Coin Warren,IL United States PENNY 1875-DATED MASONIC OLIVE CHAPTER No. 167 WARREN, IL NGC MS 65 RB Rarity:16
Provenance:
William Polhill Collection
Maurice A. Storck Collection
View Coin Rockton,IL United States PENNY 1883-DATED MASONIC ROCKTON CHAPTER No. 190 ROCKTON, IL NGC MS 63 RB Rarity: R-0
Provenance:
Ex. Virgil Brand Collection
William Polhill Collection
View Coin Rockton,IL United States PENNY 1883-DATED MASONIC ROCKTON CHAPTER No. 190 ROCKTON, IL NGC UNC Details Rarity: R-0
Provenance:
Maurice A. Storck Collection
William Polhill Collection
View Coin Stockton,IL United States PENNY 1916 MASONIC STOCKTON CHAPTER No. 248 STOCKTON, IL NGC AU 55 BN Rarity 5
Composition: Copper
Notes:
• Historical Overview of the Stockton, Illinois Masonic Lodge
• Establishment: The Masonic Lodge #248 in Stockton, Illinois, was chartered by the Grand Lodge of Illinois on October 16, 1916.
• Architecture: Constructed in 1912, Stockton's historic Masonic Lodge building has been a central gathering place for masons belonging to Plum River Lodge #554 for over a century. The Plum River Lodge was proudly chartered by the Grand Lodge of Illinois in 1867 and continues to be an active hub for its members. Additionally, Hartig Drug occupies commercial space on the first floor, serving as both a landmark and community resource.

Provenance:
William Polhill Collection

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