NNP

1787 1/2 C Massachusetts Half Cent, Ryder 4-C, W-5940, R.2, MS63 Brown NGC. Die alignment: 180?. An attractive uncirculated example of this important state coinage. The diagnostics for this variety are that the top of the obverse arrow shaft barely touches the leftmost serif of the E and the reverse period following MASSACHUSETTS is overlapped by the rightmost arrowhead, making it look at a glance like the period is missing. This piece is problem-free and exhibits good color, with the reverse in particular being a pleasing reddish brown. The obverse is a bit weakly struck at the peripheries, as is the central reverse shield, though both the Native American and eagle boast strong detail. The Act establishing a mint for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts was passed on October 17, 1786, though it took about a year before coins were actually produced. These dies are attributed to Boston engraver Joseph Callender; a young Jacob Perkins is credited with engraving some of the later dies in the series. Listed on page 61 of the 2018 Guide Book. Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society.

Heritage Newman IX, November 2017, lot 15023, realized $5760. Images and description courtesy of Heritage Auctions.