New York Empire Chapter No 170 Masonic Tokens (unverified)

This collection consists of multiple metallic tokens featuring distinct scalloped or lobed edges, appearing to be struck from a non-precious white metal alloy with a silver-tone finish. The pieces are shown scattered and in a stacked arrangement against a plain, light-colored background. The physical characteristics include stamped lettering and iconography on both sides. One side features circular text reading 'EMPIRE CHAPTER No 170 R.A.M. INSTITUTED JANUARY 14, 1851 NEW YORK, N.Y.' surrounding a central geometric emblem enclosing symbols. The reverse side depicts an image of an chalice or urn-like vessel flanked by Hebrew or symbolic lettering. The surface condition displays minor handling wear, light surface oxidation, and consistent toning appropriate for older commemorative exonumia, though authenticity and exact age remain unverified. The owner supplies context identifying these as New York NY Empire Chapter No 170 Masonic Tokens in pre-owned, non-precious metal, but this user-supplied claim is unverified by physical inspection. The identification rests primarily on the clearly legible text stamped directly into the metal surface of the tokens.

Based on what I can see in the provided image, the collection consists of metallic tokens bearing stamped text referencing the New York Empire Chapter No 170 Royal Arch Masons, alongside traditional Masonic iconography. The owner identifies these as New York NY Empire Chapter No 170 Masonic Tokens composed of a non-precious metal alloy. I cannot verify the exact metal composition, age, or manufacturing era from a photo alone, and physical inspection would be needed to confirm these details. The pieces display minor handling wear, light surface oxidation, and toning consistent with older exonumia. Assuming the owner's identification is correct as a working hypothesis, similar historical Masonic pennies and chapter tokens typically trade within a modest collector market, generally ranging from $50 to $150 depending on condition, rarity of the specific chapter, and collector demand. If the items turn out to be modern reproductions, fantasy pieces, or later commemorative replicas rather than period-appropriate chapter tokens, the market value would drop significantly, likely to just a few dollars each as curiosity items. To establish authenticity and a precise value, an in-person examination by an expert in Masonic exonumia, alongside potential metallurgical testing, would be required.