1788 Massachusetts Cent. Ryder 17-I, W-6420. Rarity-7-. Bowed Head, Period After MASSACHUSETTS. VF-20 (PCGS). An exciting offering for the advanced collector of Massachusetts copper die varieties, this is the first appearance at auction of one of the most pleasing examples extant for this major rarity. The 1788 Ryder 17-I die pair was unknown to Ryder and not published until October 1960 when Phil Greco announced his discovery in the first issue of <em>The Colonial Newsletter</em>. At that time just two specimens were known and in the ensuing six decades only eight more have come to light. It is an interesting combination of dies as it features the Bowed Head obverse 4 of 1787 in its only pairing with a 1788-dated reverse. Aside from one extraordinary Uncirculated example, the typical condition of survivors is notoriously poor with most being either very well worn, rough, damaged, holed, etc. This problem-free and attractive VF-20 is a refreshingly wholesome mid-grade example and certainly among the best two or three known. Glossy tan-brown with medium brown woodgrain toning on the obverse. The surfaces are free from any notable marks or roughness and the detail is full and bold for the grade. This piece is finer than all others that have come to market in recent years. The closest in quality was the Norm Peters example we sold in June 2021 for $5,040. That piece was a bit sharper but graded VF Details as it had some roughness and scratches, and was darker in color. Here is an example that doesnt require any caveats regarding condition, a piece that would stand out as a highlight in a top-notch MA copper collection as it did in the Syd Martin Collection. PCGS# 718990. From the Sydney F. Martin Collection. Earlier ex Christopher B. Young, March 2008.