We received the following enquiry about a neat little item-perhaps one of our readers can help identify this piece?

I am seeking background information on the dime-sized, silver Massachusetts medallion pictured in the attached image files.

I have shown the item to a number of experienced Massachusetts coin dealers. None have previously encountered or heard of the item.

Given the elements of the design, there is little doubt about the nature of the item, but historical background about the precise purpose is elusive ("reminder" of affiliation, secret pass token, ???).

The medal was found in Eastern Maine several years ago. Given the aborted Fenian attack on New Brunswick which was staged in the Lubeck-Calais area in 1866, its being found in Washington County, Maine is not surprising.

Any insight which you or your staff might be able to offer would be most appreciated.

In 1863 a D.R. Pruden of West Meriden CT with colleague C.A. Wellington of Boston, applied for U.S. Patent 32,850 “Improvement in ornamenting Hollow articles in Metal.” In 1871 a D.R. Pruden was listed in Boston as Stencil Cutter. I have no idea if these are the same D.R. or even connected to the medal pictured.