1788 Massachusetts Cent. Ryder 12-H, W-6320. Rarity-7-. Period After MASSACHUSETTS. Good-4 (PCGS). 149.0 grains. Smooth, glossy, problem-free surfaces are an attractive shade of light brown on the devices which stands out boldly against dark olive fields. No serious marks and only a few minor planchet flaws, quite choice for the grade and technically better than G-4 considering the die state of the obverse and the strength of the reverse which includes a majority of CENT visible on the shield. A very rare and particularly elusive variety with only 11 specimens traced at latest count. Though rated only a single "R" by Ryder in 1920, while other now more common varieties were rated much higher, Ryder 12-H has retained its rarity over the last century. Nearly all of the great variety collections of Massachusetts coppers sold at auction have lacked this die combination, starting with that of Ryder himself and continuing with those of F.C.C. Boyd, John J. Ford, Jr., the Norweb Family, Frederick Taylor, Donald Partrick, Eric Newman, Mike Demling, and Twin Leaf. While obverse 12 is used in no fewer than six different combinations, including one for 1787, this is the only appearance of reverse H in the Massachusetts cent series, and it may have failed early in its life, not to be married with another obverse again. This is the first public appearance of this coin and it is an excellent opportunity for the advanced variety collector who demands problem-free, pleasing examples. PCGS# 718989. From the Sydney F. Martin Collection. Earlier ex Christopher B. Young, October 2014.
