1787 Massachusetts Cent. Ryder 4-J, W-6120. Rarity-7-. Bowed Head, Arrows in Left Talon. MS-64 BN (PCGS). The astounding Choice Mint State Ryder 4-J rarity, arguably the most exciting and incredible piece in the whole Syd Martin collection of Massachusetts coppers. This lustrous, slightly prooflike uncirculated example of an extremely rare die variety that was previously only known in low circulated grades was the talk of the town when it first appeared for sale in our sale of July 2009 where it realized $97,750 after a feverish round of bidding. It was ably described in that catalog as follows.<p>"For many numismatic issues, including and perhaps especially early American ones, the title of finest known is at best a toss-up and at worst a bloviation. Most times it depends upon which devil is deemed worse (corrosion or scratches, rim bumps or cleaning), or it hinges upon a tea-leaf reading of old catalogues versus new discoveries. On occasion, however, the title is cut and dried. This is one of those times. Massachusetts coppers have been well-documented in recent years. The dual blessings of the Massachusetts coppers being a fairly concise series (just 50 known varieties of both denominations) and one with an able steward of research and census information (Mike Packard) have left a fairly crystalline idea of what is extant. Ryders own collection, the one upon which his standard reference was based, remained intact until its 2004 offering as part of the Ford Collection. Ryders collection, though the finest ever assembled, did not include this variety. The Ryder 4-J was discovered by Q. David Bowers and announced in his <em data-uw-styling-context="true" style="box-sizing:border-box;">Empire Topics</em> <em>I </em> in early 1958. Mike Packard had enumerated a census of five specimens: two VFs, a Fine, a VG+, and a Good. The Fine was the Norweb coin. This new discovery is clearly well ahead of the pack, leaving no questions as to its primacy or claim on the title finest known. The coin is a frosty light brown, faded down from mint color and very pleasing. Lighter color and traces of mint red persist in protected areas. A few very minor old toning spots are seen, including two near the obverse star and one on either side of the reverse shield. A tiny mint clip is seen above the first M of COMMON, some minor marks at absolute center of each side from insufficient striking pressure. The finer details, like the feathers and the Indians face, are boldly defined. The surface quality and overall appeal is truly remarkable. It is doubtful that Ryder 4-J will ever be common. It is even more doubtful that a finer specimen will ever come to light."<p>While a handful of low grade examples have turned up over the ensuing decade-plus since our previous offering of this coin and the census now includes 11 specimens of 1787 Ryder 4-J, it is true that the variety is still very far from common. Even more obvious today is how remarkable and outstanding the present coin is among its peers. A true "wonder coin" that combines absolute scarcity and condition rarity of the highest order. A thrilling opportunity for Massachusetts copper specialists and colonial trophy-coin hunters alike. PCGS# 688950. From the Sydney F. Martin Collection. Earlier from our (Stacks) July 2009 sale, lot 35.