Theresa C. writes: I have found a token that I am having a difficult time identifying. Can you help? It is a 1847 St. Louis, Mo token. On the obverse side it reads: Chartered October 16 1847 – ONE PENNY. On the reverse side it reads- St. Louis R.A. Chapter No.8 St. Louis Mo. in the center it has a bible that reads Holyness to the Lord. In small print under bible it reads R.C. Nurtze Chicago
Your piece is an Masonic token, the R.A. stands for “Royal Arch”. The Masons have their roots in the Middle Ages when various Christian organizations were formed to shepherd pilgrims to and from the Holy Land. The Masons exist today in every corner of the world as a Christian, philanthropic organization. R. C. Nurtze was the manufacturer of your token. Value: approximately $10.