1788 Massachusetts Cent. Ryder 3-E, W-6220. Rarity-4. MS-64BN (NGC) (CAC).159.9 grains. A lovely specimen with deep chestnut brown surfaces that reveal nuances of light mahogany mottling when turned in the light. Faint steel outlines around the devices and through the legends where the surfaces are most protected. Generous luster is seen throughout. Beautifully struck with strong central definition on both sides, which is certainly not the norm, though this variety seems to come better struck than some others. Dentils are complete around about half of the obverse, and visible around about 70% of the reverse, the centering being ever so slightly off toward 12:00, relative to the obverse. A few tiny carbon specks are lightly peppered on the obverse, but there are no handling marks worthy of mention. One small natural flaw is nestled in the upper region of the shield. Called “the finest seen” when we last offered this coin in our 2004 John J. Ford sale. A decade later, it was still “believed to be the finest known” as per the Heritage description where it was sold as part of the Donald Partrick Collection. We have seen no other examples finer. Indeed, most coins of this variety seem to be in the Fine to Extremely Fine range, frequently with problems. This one is a really outstanding example and comes with a fine provenance as well.From the Twin Leaf Collection of Connecticut & Massachusetts Coppers. Earlier ex Hillyer C. Ryder: F.C.C. Boyd; John J. Ford, Jr., Stack’s, October 2004:122; Jon Hanson; Donald G. Partrick, Heritage, January 2015:5716.
