Owner Comments:
MASONIC ISSUE APPEARANCE/CONDITION:
Brilliant Choice Gem Proof+
*An absolutely gorgeous example of this stunning issue. The lighting truly shows the detail of the devices, as well as the near perfect fields. Frosty, brilliant blast white gem with fully mirrored surfaces. — A truly fascinating design with multiple Masonic historical references.*
MASONIC ISSUE BACKGROUND:
Struck in .999 fine silver to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Freemasonry in Colorado (1861-2011). — This piece in particular recognizes the 150th anniversary of the M.W. Grand Lodge which is both A.F. and A.M. of Colorado. — A.F. and A.M means “Ancient Free” and “Accepted Masons.” Both trace their allegorical history back to the building of Solomon's temple in the Holy Scriptures.
—————
“Freemasonry was exported to the British Colonies in North America in the 1730s. After the American Revolution, independent U.S. Grand Lodges formed within each state.“ — Credited Source: Masonic Lodge of Education
—————
“A Masonic lodge, often termed a private lodge or constituent lodge, is the basic organisational unit of Freemasonry. It is also commonly used as a term for a building in which such a unit meets.” — Credited Source: "Demit". Masonic Dictionary
—————
Both the 1961 100th anniversary medal and the 2011 150th anniversary medal (shown here) are included in this collection. Their details are as follows:
- 1961 German Silver M.W. Grand Lodge 100th Anniversary Medal (NGC MS-64)
- 2011 .999 Fine Silver M.W. Grand Lodge 150th Anniversary Medal (NGC PF-69 UC)
RARITY: Unknown; Likely scarce (I have encountered 4-5 examples)
NGC Census not available.
MASONIC ISSUE DESCRIPTION:
(.999 Fine Silver, 39mm, Round, Plain Edge)
OBVERSE: 150 Years or Masonry / (Manson in between 2 Rocks) / 1861 Colorado 2011
REVERSE: The M.W. Grand Lodge of Colorado / 1861 2011 / (Masonic Compass) / A.F. & A.M.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND:
“Masonry Comes to the Rockies” | Published by Grand Lodge of Colorado A.F. & A.M. | http://www.coloradofreemasons.org/
“The Gold Rush fever of the Pikes Peak region in 1858 was intoxicating. It entranced men of all descriptions, fortune-hunters, prospectors, and rovers, eager for quick wealth and excitement. Its hurriedly-formed wagon trains departing from Missouri river outposts threw together for 700-mile, month-long journeys, men of every ilk, many of them fleeing from the rigidity of law and order and civilization.
——-
But its lure was irresistible to Masons, too. Many members of the craft responded to the sudden challenge of the frontier. And having been forced to associate with adventurers of dubious backgrounds during the tedious overland journey, upon arrival in the new country they quickly sought the company of their brethren. Within ten days after the founding of the first permanent settlement at Auraria, at the junction of Cherry Creek and the Platte, the first informal assemblage of seven Masons was held in what was to be the Territory and then the State of Colorado.
——-
It has been said that in every pioneer settlement of the West first came the church, then a school, and then the Masonic Lodge but in Colorado this order was reversed. Years ago, the Rev. John M. Chivington, first presiding elder of the Methodist Church in this area and first Grand Master of Colorado, wrote: "On May 8, 1860 I arrived in Denver, published an appointment, and preached the following Sunday in the Masonic Hall. Henry Allen founded a Masonic Lodge in Colorado long before there was a church or school."
——-
Allen was thus acknowledged the father of Masonry in Colorado. He became Master of Auraria Lodge under dispensation.”