Massachusetts Coppers 1787-1788

HALF CENTS

obverse 500 dpi 250 dpi

reverse 500 dpi 250 dpi

1787                 Ryder 1-D                                               MA half cent - Callender

Obverse:  COMMON   [star]   WEALTH
Reverse:  MASSACHUSETTS .   1787

Weight:  75.0 g    (4.86 grams)             Diameter:  24.0 mm             Reverse die alignment: 190°

Comments:  Created from a die by Joseph Callender. On this variety on the obverse the arrow butt points toward the first stroke on the W and the right leg of the Indian (to the viewer's left) shows a die break seperating the leg from the boot. On the reverse, the numeral one in the date ends with a point, this is the only variety without a line at the bottom of the one. Also, in additon to the usual four olive leaves there are three small twigs comming out of the branch; one thin twig just to the left of the top leaf and two larger twigs on the right side (one between the top and second leaf and another just above the eagle's talon).

Provenance:   Loaned for scanning and inclusion in this exhibit. In a private collection.

obverse 500 dpi 250 dpi

reverse 500 dpi 250 dpi

1787                 Ryder 5-A                                               MA half cent - Callender

Obverse:  COMMON   [star]   WEALTH
Reverse:  MASSACHUSETTS .   1787

Weight:  77.9 g    (5.04 grams)            Diameter:  24.0 mm             Reverse die alignment: 180°

Comments:  Created from a die by Joseph Callender. On the obverse of this variety the arrow butt points toward the final portion of the W and the right leg of the Indian (the viewer's left) shows a die break at the calf. Another die break occurs between the feet. On the reverse the date is spread 17   87. Also note there is a dot between the eagle's leg and the bundle of arrows caused by a small void in the die. Another larger group of metal "blobs" from a die crack appears to the left of the first T. Also, note the U has been reworked, The letter was apparently made too small and was recut in a later size, the serifs of the first U can be seen just below those of the upper letter (on the right side of the second serif the lower letter serif has joined with the upper letter giving the appearance of a rather thick serif).

Provenance:  From the Robert H. Gore, Jr. Numismatic Collection.

obverse 500 dpi 250 dpi

reverse 500 dpi 250 dpi

1788                 Ryder 1-B                                               MA half cent - Perkins

Obverse:  COMMON   [star]   WEALTH
Reverse:  MASSACHUSETTS .   1788

Weight:  85.1 g    (5.52 grams)            Diameter:  23.9 mm             Reverse die alignment: 175°

Comments:  Created from a die by Jacob Perkins. There was only one obverse die used for 1788 half cents. Note that the arrow touches the Indian's tunic. The present example shows a weak strike in the head area and has small planchet flaws. It has been PCGS graded as AU53 (308.53/4567639); however, for study purposes it has been removed from its slab casing.

The reverse can be distinguished as die B for there are eight arrow butts below the talon (die A has only five). Also, on die B the letters A and C are spaced further apart. This die shows the distinctive S with long serifs at either end, attributed to Perkins, giving it the appearance of being "closed" when compared with the less pronounced serifs on the "open" S in the dies attributed to Callender. There are several small die breaks on the reverse, under the final stroke of the first A with another break in line with the other but near the wing. A larger break appears after the second A and another small break protrudes from the top of the eagle's head. This well preserved example shows the lines on the shield.

Provenance:  Acquired through the the Robert H. Gore, Jr. Numismatic Endowment from the EANA auction of January 18, 1997, lot 562.

New Jersey Coppers: p. 4	Section Contents	Massachusetts Coppers: p. 2