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Jewel & Medal Collection - Worcestershire Museum of Freemasonry
Gold Medal: Freemason’s Ducat 1743
Date:- 1743 - Classification:- Order/Governing Body; Members
Country of Origin:- Germany -
Description
This very ancient medal is commonly known as the “Freemason’s Ducat.” The place of mintage has caused considerable discussion. Merzdorf (Page 11) says most of the older catalogues mention it as having been struck at Berlin, while others attribute it to Vestner at Brussels, in 1743; he remarks, however, that Vestner always placed his mark upon his work, believes its origin was at Brunswick in the year 1745, and states it is mentioned in the records of the Lodge Charles of the Pillar of Brunswick in that year.
OBVERSE.—Harpocrates, the God of Silence, leaning on a pillar, over which is a lion’s skin covered with bees. On his left arm is a cornucopia, from which, a square and other Masonic implements are falling. Legend, “Favete Lingvis” (Keep silence). In exergue, in, three lines, “AEqvitas concordia et virtvs” (Justice, harmony, and virtue).
REVERSE.—A group of six rough ashlars, near one of which is a gavel; above, a hand and arm, issuing from clouds to left, suspends a level In exergue, ornamental scroll work. Legend, “AEqva Lege Sortitvr Insigaes et Imos” (Allotted by impartial law to the lofty and the lowly).
Engraved in M. as a Frontispiece; in Z., Book 4, Plate 1; in B., 1777, Plate 7; and in A. Q. R., 1859, Page 34.
