NNP

1788 1/2 C Massachusetts Half Cent, Ryder 1-B, W-6010, R.2, MS63 Brown NGC. Die alignment: 180?. Consistent light brown toning with underlying red and olive hues gives this Select Uncirculated Massachusetts half cent strong eye appeal to accompany its high technical grade. A few scattered dark spots fail to detract from the obverse Native American or reverse eagle. While the shield's lettering is a bit weak, the reverse arrows are carefully delineated and the feathers are neatly engraved. Struck from the unbroken state of the reverse die. During the Confederation period, three states (Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Connecticut) and the Republic of Vermont authorized the production of copper coins. Only Massachusetts struck both half cents and cents, with the others content to continue the tradition of "coppers" of often dubious weight. Listed on page 61 of the 2018 Guide Book. Ex: "Colonel" E.H.R. Green; Eric P. Newman and Burdette G. Johnson; Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society.

Heritage Newman IX, November 2017, lot 15024, realized $4560. Images and description courtesy of Heritage Auctions.