1788 Massachusetts Cent. Ryder 12-K, W-6340. Rarity-6-. Stout Indian. AU-50 (PCGS).143.8 grains. Uniform and glossy light olive brown surfaces on both sides gives this piece excellent aesthetic appeal. A trace of microscopic natural roughness is seen close to the rims and a small natural void is noted near the center of the lower pleats, but none of these flaws is distracting. A few tiny marks and rim nicks are also noted, but they are equally unobtrusive. A rather rare variety that is not only quite difficult to find, but extremely challenging if quality is also important. Remarkably, John Ford owned two, one of which is now thought to be the finest known. His second was called Extremely Fine, but with “extremely rough” surfaces. Still, it was cataloged as comparable to the coin that was considered the finest known leading up to the Ford sale. This piece is clearly nicer than the second Ford coin, but not quite as nice as the primary Ford coin. Still, it is vastly better than the three others we have handled in the last few years, going back to 2005. The variety was missing from Garrett, Taylor, Norweb and Newman. A superb piece for the Massachusetts specialist.From the Twin Leaf Collection of Connecticut & Massachusetts Coppers. Earlier ex Stack’s, March 1994:303; Don Valenziano; Tom Rinaldo; Stephen Tanenbaum; Stephen Tanenbaum Estate via Anthony Terranova, July 2011.
