1805 French Masonic Silver Jeton – Loge de St. Eugène, Grand Orient de France - About Uncirculated

This French Masonic silver jeton was struck to commemorate the founding of the Loge de St. Eugène under the authority of the Grand Orient de France, the most influential Masonic jurisdiction in post-Revolutionary France. Unusually small and precise at 27mm with a reeded edge and .800-.950 silver composition, this piece was likely distributed to founding members and high-ranking dignitaries.

Obverse Details:

• Radiant ram's head at center, symbolic of Enlightenment and Masonic sacrifice

• Inscription: “CONSTITUÉE PAR LE G∴O∴ DE FR∴ LE 14ME J∴ DU 5ME M∴ DE L’AN 5805”
  (“Constituted by the Grand Orient of France the 14th day of the 5th month of the year 5805”)

Reverse Details:

• Five-pointed star bearing the letter G, surrounded by oak and laurel wreaths

• Inscription: “LOGE DE ST. EUGÈNE · OR∴ DE PARIS”
  (“Lodge of Saint Eugène, Orient of Paris”)

Specifications

• Metal: silver (magnet slide test confirmed; likely .800–.950 fine)

• Diameter: 27mm

• Edge: Reeded

• Weight: 8.1g

• Condition: About Uncirculated - Attractively toned.

Catalog References

• Labouret 352

• Bramsen 417

• Julius 1376

Historical Note:
This piece reflects the richly symbolic and politically charged era of early Napoleonic Freemasonry. The issuing body, the Grand Orient de France, was under the leadership of Joseph Bonaparte at the time, with other major figures like Cambacérès active within its structure.

Surviving examples of this exact jeton are exceptionally scarce. It is cataloged in major references but seldom appears in auction records or private inventories. Notably, one example was listed in a Harlan J. Berk sale with a $425 hammer over a decade ago.

Unusual opportunity to acquire a documented, historic silver Masonic issue from a formative moment in French Freemasonry.