Worn but readable. Old but nice. It is the CENT coin and it has the period. Easier to see in hand than photos. The required single star is next to the Indians head. What did you expect for something this old?
I paid less than $50 for this one. A very good price. I should note that an Act for establishing a mint to produce gold, silver and copper coins, was passed by the Massachusetts General Court on October 17, 1786. The following year the council directed that the design should incorporate the figure of an Indian with a bow and arrow and a star on one side. The word commonwealth was also included on the obverse. The reverse has a spread eagle surrounded by the words Massachusetts. Under the eagle is the date. This type was made in 1787 in 1788 and included a Half Cent and a Cent coin. These were the first coins to contain the word CENT as cent was established by Congress. Numerous varieties exist due to the dies being made by hand. The most desirable is the eagle holding arrows in the right talon. Collectors of these types of coins strive to obtain the varieties. Joshua Witherle directed the coinage of Massachusetts Cents and Half Cents in 1787 and 1788. Most of the dues were produced by Joseph Callender and Jacob Perkins of Newburyport. In early 1879 the Massachusetts Mint was abandoned. This brought them in compliance with the newly ratified Constitution. The production of these two coins was also unprofitable.
This one was under $50 and I got a very good price on it. In lower grades like this one, it’s affordable to most collectors. They do get costly in higher grades but then, what coin doesn’t.
Where can I get one for that price? Good catch, identifiable and a popular coin. I would be very happy with it!
I got this one in an auction and I am very pleased with it. I love Pre, Post and Colonial Coins but with everything else I collect, I can only afford them at lower prices.