Offered is an exceedingly scarce, and quite mysterious 32mm Masonic Penny, issued by the Dhahran Chapter (here identified as no 12) of Saudi Arabia, likely in the 1950s-60s (as these dies match other pieces from other locations of that period). Although Masonry is technically illegal in the Kingdom, owing to the large expat community centered around Dhahran (owing to the oil industry and foreign firm concessions), clandestine practice has been known to take place in the gated, foreign-owned compounds. This being said, the Masons (secretive at best) are particularly closed about this situation, owing to the precarious legal landscape in the region. As such, there exist few records, and no physical traces of Freemasonry in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia - this is indeed the only token, jewel, award, or presentation piece that we have managed to track down. A rare and important piece.
Offered is an exceedingly scarce, and quite mysterious 32mm Masonic Penny, issued by the Dhahran Chapter (here identified as no 12) of Saudi Arabia, likely in the 1950s-60s (as these dies match other pieces from other locations of that period). Although Masonry is technically illegal in the Kingdom, owing to the large expat community centered around Dhahran (owing to the oil industry and foreign firm concessions), clandestine practice has been known to take place in the gated, foreign-owned compounds. This being said, the Masons (secretive at best) are particularly closed about this situation, owing to the precarious legal landscape in the region. As such, there exist few records, and no physical traces of Freemasonry in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia - this is indeed the only token, jewel, award, or presentation piece that we have managed to track down. A rare and important piece.
