1788 Massachusetts Cent. Ryder 3-A, W-6210. Rarity-3+. Period After MASSACHUSETTS. MS-63 BN (PCGS). 149.7 grains. A superb Choice Mint State Massachusetts cent with glossy, slightly reflective luster and lovely medium-brown color that has a subtle woodgrain toning pattern. Nicely struck on a high quality planchet and very well preserved showing next to no contact marks. A minuscule rim bump above the N in COMMONWEALTH and a few light planchet streaks on the reverse are the only items to nitpick on a coin that is undeniably choice overall. Struck just slightly off center and there is a touch of weakness at the right side borders. Quite bold overall, with surface quality and eye appeal that are both well above average for the grade. A better die variety that is not at all common in Mint State, the only superior example to appear in recent years was a fabulous PCGS MS-65 Brown example we sold as part of the Archangel Collection in October 2018 for $24,000. The present coin is notable in its own right and a solidly Condition Census-caliber example of the die variety. PCGS# 688955. From the Sydney F. Martin Collection. Earlier ex Lawrence R. Stack Collection, November 2006.
