1788 Massachusetts Half Cent. Ryder 1-B, W-6010. Rarity-2. MS-65 BN (PCGS). 79.5 grains. A magnificent coin and certainly one of the most impressive examples we have encountered of this date. Gorgeous satiny surfaces are aglow with frosty cartwheel luster and substantial mint red brilliance shines through the legends and date, especially bold at MON of COMMONWEALTH. Where toned, the coloration is an even and attractive chocolate-brown with just a few patches of slightly darker toning on the reverse. The luster, originality, and choice color are truly exceptional for the issue. The eye appeal is elevated even further by a perfectly centered and remarkably bold strike on a high quality, unflawed planchet. As expected at the Gem grade level, there are no notable marks or other imperfections of any consequence. Just a few tiny abrasions visible under magnification and one extremely faint hairline in the upper right obverse field that is only visible at certain viewing angles. A beautiful and technically superior piece that is premium quality for both the numerical grade and color designation.<p>Ryder 1-B is the more common of the two die pairs of 1788 Massachusetts half cent and is one of the more available Massachusetts copper varieties in high grade. Normally a discussion of the Condition Census for this variety might not be instructive, as there are many Mint State examples known, but the extraordinary quality on display here bears comparison with the other standout Gems of the variety. The luster and strike of this coin can absolutely hold its own against the Stickney-Ellsworth-Garrett example that realized $21,850 in 2006; the best of the Ford examples that brought $18,400 in 2004; and the Mills-Eliasberg-Partrick coin that sold for $21,150 in 2015. However, this coin has more original mint red than any of those and is certainly among the very finest 1788 Massachusetts half cents extant. PCGS# 688348. From the Sydney F. Martin Collection. Earlier ex Anthony Terranova; Lawrence R. Stack Collection, November 2006.
