1788 1/2C Massachusetts, BN MS(PCGS#308)

The June 2010 Baltimore Auction

Auctioneer

Bowers & Merena

Lot Number

37

Grade

MS64

Price

7,763

Lot Description

1788 Massachusetts Half Cent. W-6010, Ryder 1-B. URS-11. MS-64 BN (PCGS). This is the more frequently encountered die marriage of the 1788 Massachusetts Cent, and it is attributable by looking at the reverse where the first 8 in the date is low and the second 8 is high. Mint State examples are encountered now and then in the market, although the coin we offer here is far superior even to some coins graded MS-65 BN that this cataloger has seen. The surfaces are actually temptingly close to a full Gem grade, both sides with a smooth, satiny sheen that is devoid of even the most trivial abrasions. The strike is also impressive, being sharp from rim-to-rim. The often-seen softness of detail along the Native American's back on the obverse and on the reverse shield is not evident here. Beautiful medium-copper patina throughout, a small reverse carbon spot at the letter S in MASSACHUSETTS helped us establish the pedigree of this important piece. High in the Condition Census!