1788 Massachusetts Cent. Ryder 12-M, W-6350. Rarity-4-. Stout Indian. AU-58 (PCGS).154.5 grains. An exceptional specimen that is deep chocolate and striated olive brown on the obverse, while the reverse is lighter olive with deeply faded tan outlines around the devices. Small deposits of dark debris over the M of MASSACHUSETTS and above the olive branch confirm the Norweb provenance that had been lost over the years. Traces of natural roughness in places is largely confined to the peripheries. Nicely struck and well centered on both sides. A few tiny handling marks are scattered about, but none is of any consequence on this handsome and very choice example. This is easily the nicest specimen we have handled in years, and even though we have seen a couple of pieces in “AU-58” grading holders going back to 2005, neither was a match to this coin in terms over overall eye appeal or quality.From the Twin Leaf Collection of Connecticut & Massachusetts Coppers. Earlier ex Richard Picker, December 1954; Norweb Collection, Bowers and Merena, March 1988:2673; Anthony Terranova, 2008.
