1787 Massachusetts Half Cent. Ryder 1-D, W-5900. Rarity-4-. MS-64+ BN (PCGS). 72.6 grains. An exceptional near-Gem example of this distinctive and significant variety, the first entry in the first American half cent series. Satiny, original surfaces are primarily an even shade of medium-brown, with lighter tan toning in the protected areas of the legends where mint frost shows through with subtle cartwheel effect. Outstanding overall eye appeal and surface preservation with no marks or flaws of any consequence. Slight weakness of strike is noted at the centers of each side, common for the variety due to the unusually high relief of the central detail of these dies. Still, HALF CENT is completely visible and a decent amount of fine detail is present in the reverse shield lines and obverse drapery.<p><p>Ryder 1-D represents the sole use of this obverse while the reverse is also found in combination with 1787 obverses 4 and 6. The execution of both dies is distinctive, making this a readily identifiable variety. Most notable is the reverse with its thin, hand-engraved date digits and the rounded, high relief to the shield. Moderately scarce as an overall variety but rare in Uncirculated grades, the typical survivor grading just VF or EF. There are a few examples with mint red that top the Condition Census, but the Martin coin, with its impressive quality and overall lovely appearance, is certainly a contender for the lower end of that elite group.<p> PCGS# 688339. From the Sydney F. Martin Collection. Earlier ex Richard Picker, 1960; our (Bowers and Merenas) sale of the Norweb Collection Part II, March 1988, lot 2637; Heritages January 2016 FUN Signature Auction, lot 3549.
