1788 Massachusetts Cent. Ryder 12-I, W-6330. Rarity-4. Stout Indian. EF-40 (PCGS).153.4 grains. Glossy medium to light brown with faint striations in the obverse patina and slightly deeper color outlining the devices on both sides. A few tiny nicks and a pair of very faint scratches are noted under magnification, but there are no impairments that could be called distracting save for perhaps a tiny patina spot right of the eagle’s bundle of arrows. This obverse die was a bit of a workhorse, having been used in six different marriages. In this usage, the die is clearly worn, the features a bit softened with sinking evident through the legends causing a bit of peripheral weakness. A very attractive example of the variety.From the Twin Leaf Collection of Connecticut & Massachusetts Coppers. Earlier ex Tenth Annual C4 Convention sale, November 2004:277.
