1787 Massachusetts half cent. Ryder 1-D, W-5900. Rarity-4. MS-64+ RB (PCGS).73.6 grains. An extraordinary specimen of the first American half cent, one that seemingly never left the Commonwealth of Massachusetts until its consignment by Salem’s Essex Institute to auction in 1975. Showing nearly full mint color, this is the only 1787 Massachusetts half cent ever given an RB designation by PCGS. The color remains bright and vibrant around the peripheries and bold around the devices. It has faded in the fields to pleasing steel and rose. The luster is strong and the eye appeal is magnificent, like a coin just emerged from a time capsule. Some specks are seen on the reverse, with the most heavy concentration near USE of MASSACHUSETTS, and a small area is seen at the Indian’s waist on the obverse. With this issue’s historical importance as the debut of the half cent denomination, added market pressure is placed on particularly nice coins. After being off the market for more than four decades, this piece is likely to see strong demand upon its return.PCGS Population: 1; none finer. This is the only example of this issue certified as RB by PCGS.From the Archangel Collection. Earlier, from Stack’s sale of the Numismatic Properties of the Essex Institute, February 1975, lot 36.
