1788 Massachusetts Cent. Ryder 9-M, W-6270. Rarity-6. VF-20 (PCGS).158.9 grains. Deep chocolate brown with pleasing light woodgrain striations across both sides. Glossy and fairly smooth though there are a few tiny marks and some light surface debris commensurate with the grade. Evenly struck on a nice quality planchet without the distracting flaws seen on some other specimens, natural or otherwise. We have handled five examples of this variety in the last decade, and all have had problems. Two were apparent ground finds, two were damaged, and one had obvious planchet flaws on the obverse. This one is an exception and stands out as easily the most attractive.From the Twin Leaf Collection of Connecticut & Massachusetts Coppers. Earlier ex Tom Rinaldo (at the 1994 Long Beach show, unattributed); Stephen Tanenbaum; Stephen Tanenbaum Estate via Anthony Terranova, July 2011.