Masonic Forum - Anecdotes

¤ The Symbols on The Dollar Bill

Here it is, another Sunday afternoon and I am considering a topic to send to the membership. Fortunately, I am watching TLC on TV ( The "Learning" Channel, not the R&B Band though onsidering the subject matter, I might as well be watching the other.) Today's Hot Topic? Did space aliens deliver the plans to the ancient Egyptians to erect the pyramids? Hmmmm...we've heard that theory since the seventies. Thank goodness that the "Learning Channel" has taken the time to explore this issue with determination.

With sobering tones, the announcer is discussing the history of pyramid building while the screen displays images of devastated and unfinished works. The image of uncapped pyramids and the absurdity of the commentary reminds me of what some detractors of Masonry point to as "evidence” of the subversive nature of this Institution. They invoke the images shown on the Great Seal of the United States (suspiciously printed on the dollar bill) as proof of the untoward influences we Masons are supposed to play with the government of the most powerful nation in the world.
The use of symbols in The Great Seal are thought provoking. The Central pyramid on the obverse is hewn of granite and displays thirteen levels...one for each State that formed the union of the
Colonies. The raised top is representative of the unfinished nature of the work... a hope which we see realized with the addition of thirty-seven other states today. Most closely related to the fraternity..the All Seeing Eye...an admonishment that the price of freedom is eternal vigilance.

The Latin inscriptions on the obverse of the seal concern the conspiracists most. NOVUS ORDO SECLORUM....New Order of the Ages ...speaks freely of the revolutionary character of the young nation and the belief in the virtuosity of its purpose. ANNUIT COPTUS...translated in a variety of ways simply means "He favors our undertakings"...Of course, we recognize that all Masons hold a special devotion to deity. This faith, however, relates the enormity of the belief held by Americans of all persuasions to the doctrine of religious freedom.
The reverse displays an Eagle with thirteen stars in a halo of clouds. In one talon is a bundle of thirteen arrows, indicative of the nation's willingness to defend its territory and beliefs. The other talons holds a twig of an olive branch, from time immemorial the symbol of security achieved with a policy of peace. The eagle's head is turned thoughtfully in the direction of the olive branch. Studying these details, I am reminded of Teddy Roosevelt's famous line, "Walk softly and carry a big stick."

Unfortunately, for the conspiracisits, there are some facts about Freemasonry in America, and the American government of the time that the seal was adopted, that I feel compelled to report.
Firstly, the use of the seal on official documents is a monarchical practice, very much prevalent in 18th Century Europe, which is historically related to the ancient Ceasars of Rome. The seals were used in the transmission of documents between military leaders and diplomats to prevent forgeries; and the possession of the sacred seal was the ultimate symbol of power. Our government has never cast the seal for such use, as power is extracted from the will of the people. Freemasons make no claim to any historical connections with Rome.
The selection of the devices for the seal was accomplished after the sitting of three committees. The only Mason to sit on any of the committees was Benjamin Franklin, and his presence was only
on the first. Benjamin Franklin, amongst his many roles of the time, did little to influence the new seal. It is said, however, that he influenced the designs of some of this nations first coin issues.

The "FUGIO" Coppers were first authorized April 21,1787 and planned to be coined using copper found in military stores. The copper came from bands that supported the powderkegs sent to us by the French. On Friday, July 6, 1787 the following legislation was passed:
"Resolved, that the board of treasury direct the contractor for the copper coinage
to stamp on one side of each piece the following device, viz: thirteen circles linked
together, a small circle in the middle with the words "United States" around it; and
in the centre, the words "We are One"; on the other side of the same piece the
following device; viz: a dial with the hours expressed on the face of it; a meridian
sun above on one side of which is the word "Fugio".

The intended meaning is "Time flies". Opposite this melancholy statement is the year of issue, 1787;and below the sundial you will find the statement "Mind Your Business". (Yea, that sounds like Ol' F_kém if they can't take a joke, Franklin).The coins were minted in New Haven Connecticut and probably elsewhere. If you are in the market for an example you can expect to pay anywhere from $150-$6000 to a dealer for one depending upon the rarity and condition of the
strike. Several die variations are seen testifying to the usefulness of this coin, and restrikes were made in the 1860's for collectors.

Other coppers of this period show similar cryptic impressions. The Assistant Financier of the Confederation of States of the time was Gouverneur Morris who supposedly authorized the minting of the Nova Constellation Coppers. These coins, used as extensively as the "Fugio" cents as Continental Currency, were mostly dated 1783, show the All Seeing Eye surrounded by rays and have the Latin phrase...

NOVA CONSTELLATIO (New Constellation) spelled in a variety of ways. These devices were combined with a number of other phrases and symbols, the letters USA in monogram, "Libertas et Justitia"(Liberty and Justice), and E Pluribus Unum (One out of Many) to name a few. (Hey members, does anyone know the meaning of Immune Columbia? This is seen on these coins as well. Please e-mail me if you know.) To put one in your collection look to pay from $75-$750..though some examples are truly priceless.

But, getting back to the original discussion, there were no Masons on the last two committees to formulate the content of the Great Seal. The Eye in the Triangle was designed by Pierre du Sim-
itiere(a non-Mason). Freemasons trace their allegories to the building of King Solomon's Temple and nothing to the ancient pyramids of Egypt. Fourteen years after the adoption of the Great Seal by the United States, Modern Masons, in 1797, made its use official in the degreework of their lodges.

It is true that some of America's greatest statesmen have been passionate and effective Freemasons. George Washington, Teddy Roosevelt, Franklin Roosevelt and Harry Truman to name a few. In all a third of all Presidents have been Freemasons as well as hundreds of other American Statesmen such as Alexander Hamilton and yes, Benjamin Franklin. Given the depth to which the ideals of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth as expressed by the Masonic experience,
invariably moves Freemasons, it is not difficult to understand why the tenure of their years in office has been so beneficial to the nation.

The conspirators, flamers and trolls point to the Great Seal's use on the dollar bill and say look, "The obverse shows a Mason (G.W.) and the reverse has all of these weird symbols. Gosh,
this must have some deeper meaning." Well, perhaps it does. It means that historically Masons hold faith in those ideals which make all nations, and individuals, truly successful: The Brotherhood of Man under the Fatherhood of God. If we have been guilty of keeping that
truth secret then let me make it right. If you have a dirty old Non-Masonic portrait of Abe Lincoln on US tender, I will gladly exchange it for two, new, crisp "Secrets of Masonry Revealed"
US dollar bills. Any takers?

Fraternally Yours,
Torence Evans Ake W.P.M.
Arcadia Lodge #1138
Lansing, Illinois...now residing in Wharton NJ USA