(1849) Medal Terry Haute Chapter No.11 Copper IN Masonic

Coin Details

Description

This copper Masonic medal was issued by Terre Haute Chapter No. 11 of the Royal Arch Masons in Indiana. Terre Haute, situated along the Wabash River in western Indiana, was a thriving commercial center in the mid-nineteenth century, and its Masonic lodges reflected the community's civic ambitions. The Royal Arch degree, the seventh in York Rite Freemasonry, was considered by many Masons to be the completion and fulfillment of the Master Mason degree, making Royal Arch chapter medals significant markers of advanced Masonic achievement. Chapter No. 11 indicates an early-established chapter within Indiana's Grand Chapter system, suggesting a well-organized and active Masonic presence in Terre Haute by the 1849 date. The copper composition was typical for local lodge and chapter medals, which were produced in small quantities by regional die sinkers for distribution to chapter members. These chapter medals served as both identification tokens and commemorative souvenirs of membership, degrees conferred, or special occasions within the chapter's calendar. Indiana Masonic medals are collected within the broader Midwestern fraternal numismatic specialty.

Rarity Notes

Copper Masonic chapter medal from Terre Haute, Indiana. Local chapter medals were struck in small quantities and are scarce outside specialized Masonic collections.

Cross References

PCGS #821415; Royal Arch Masons Chapter No. 11, Terre Haute IN