| Description |
1787 1/2 C Massachusetts Half Cent MS64 Brown NGC. R. 6-D, W-5980, R.6. Obverse 6 has a die crack from the upper left serif of the E on all examples we have seen, including Ryder 6-A and 6-D. Reverse D has the arrow shafts forming a distinctive "V" shape between the eagle's leg and tail feathers. Less than 5% of 1787 Massachusetts half cents in our survey were examples of Ryder 6-D, and the Newman example is the finest in that survey, although Mike Packard has heard of a finer example. This piece has exceptional olive-brown surfaces with satin luster, and traces of golden-tan that has faded from original mint red. Evidence of a weak strike appears on the tunic, and on the shield below CENT. The dies were improperly aligned in the press, with the right obverse border bold, and the left reverse border similarly bold. Those are opposing locations on this piece that was struck with 180 degree (coin turn) alignment. Ex: "Colonel" E.H.R. Green; Green Estate; Partnership of Eric P. Newman / B.G. Johnson d.b.a. St. Louis Stamp & Coin Co.; Eric P. Newman @ $12.50; Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society.
Realized $22,912.50. Description courtesy of Heritage Auctions. |
