1788 Massachusetts Cent. Ryder 13-N, W-6380. Rarity-4+. No Period After Massachusetts. MS-62BN (PCGS).151.6 grains. Another superb coin from this landmark collection. The surfaces glow with deeply faded red throughout, but most dramatically within the protective confines of the legends and close to the devices. Otherwise, pale reddish brown is the dominate tone. Strong mint luster remains on both sides, the coin having the fresh appearance reminiscent of the famous Nichols Find large cents or Bank of New York Fugio coppers. Bluntly struck at the centers, with little of the finer detail showing and in its place light, natural planchet roughness. A small patch of this granularity is also seen right of the Indian. In the lower right quadrant of the obverse a meandering retained lamination is visible. This is a very handsome coin overall. Though not as well struck, the color is far superior to that seen on the Spence-Roper-Partrick specimen that appeared in our November 2017 sale. That piece, graded MS-63BN by NGC was called “possibly finest known.” It would be interesting indeed to place these coins side by side for direct comparison.From the Twin Leaf Collection of Connecticut & Massachusetts Coppers. Earlier ex Anthony Terranova, 2002.
