1787 Massachusetts Half Cent. Ryder 2-A, W-5910. Rarity-4-. MS-63+ BN (PCGS).
74.4 grains. A lovely example of the variety with choice medium-brown color and lots of frosty luster in the fields on both sides. No marks or spots detract from the overall delightful appearance, just a few faint hairlines, mostly on the reverse, including one light scratch off the top of the eagle's left (viewer's right) wing that has proven to be a useful pedigree marker matching this coin to the Stickney plate. Modest strike weakness is noted at the centers, confined to just a small portion of the Indian's tunic and a few letters of HALF CENT. Ryder 2-A is one the less frequently seen varieties of 1787 Massachusetts half cents. There are a decent number of Uncirculated examples known, but the luster, eye appeal, and fine old provenance of this piece makes it stand out as an especially desirable specimen.
PCGS# 688340.
From the Sydney F. Martin Collection. Earlier from Henry Chapman's sale of the Matthew Adams Stickney Collection, June 1907, lot 119 (plated); Hillyer Ryder; F.C.C. Boyd; John J. Ford, Jr.; our (Stack's) sale of the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection Part V, October 2004, lot 64; Lawrence R. Stack Collection, November 2006.