1787 1/2C Massachusetts, Ryder 1-D, BN MS(PCGS#688339)

Spring 2026 Showcase Auction U.S. Coins

Auctioneer

Stack's Bowers

Lot Number

1001

Grade

AU55BN

Price

1,800

Lot Description

74.4 grains. A handsome piece with a hint of deep rose to otherwise tobacco-brown patina. There is no denticulation from 2 to 8 o'clock on the obverse, reverse border flush to the tops of the letters HUSE in MASSACHUSETTS at upper right. Overall detail is bold for the grade, nonetheless, and the surfaces have a hard, tight texture with little in the way of even trivial marks. Ryder 1-D represents the sole use of this obverse while the reverse is also found in combination with 1787 obverses 4 and 6. The execution of both dies is distinctive, making this a readily identifiable variety. Most notable is the reverse with its thin, hand-engraved date digits and the rounded, high relief to the shield. Moderately scarce as an overall variety but scarce to rare in AU and Mint State grades, the typical survivor grading just VF or EF.