1788 Massachusetts Cent

Discussion in 'Coin Chat' started by Collecting Nut, Sep 19, 2021.

  1. Collecting Nut

    Collecting Nut Borderline Hoarder

    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? :)

    CADC5127-DA5D-4AAF-94A1-C94727447AAD.jpeg 6621EB72-8922-4482-9862-691DDE0F894D.jpeg
     
    Last edited: Sep 19, 2021
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  3. potty dollar 1878

    potty dollar 1878 Well-Known Member

    Not a pine tree shilling but still nice ill have to get one.
     
  4. Collecting Nut

    Collecting Nut Borderline Hoarder

    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.
     
  5. lordmarcovan

    lordmarcovan Eclectic & Eccentric Moderator

    I've never had one.
     
  6. Parthicus

    Parthicus Well-Known Member

    Nice, it's probably my favorite US coin design of the pre-Constitution period. Here's my example:
    Massachusetts.jpg
     
  7. l.cutler

    l.cutler Member

    Not bad at all, I like it!
     
    Collecting Nut likes this.
  8. Collecting Nut

    Collecting Nut Borderline Hoarder

    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.
     
    love old coins and lordmarcovan like this.
  9. lordmarcovan

    lordmarcovan Eclectic & Eccentric Moderator

    Solid buy for under fifty bucks, I say!
     
    Collecting Nut and Evan Saltis like this.
  10. Seascape

    Seascape U.S. & World Collector

    For under 50 you did really really well on it.
     
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  11. Evan Saltis

    Evan Saltis OWNER - EBS Numis LLC Supporter

    Where can I get one for that price?
    Good catch, identifiable and a popular coin. I would be very happy with it!
     
    Collecting Nut likes this.
  12. Collecting Nut

    Collecting Nut Borderline Hoarder

    And I’m not talking $49.95. Lol
     
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  13. Collecting Nut

    Collecting Nut Borderline Hoarder

    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.
     
    love old coins and lordmarcovan like this.
  14. potty dollar 1878

    potty dollar 1878 Well-Known Member

    What about 49.99;).
     
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  15. COOPER12

    COOPER12 Well-Known Member

    i need one of these
     
    Collecting Nut likes this.
  16. Collecting Nut

    Collecting Nut Borderline Hoarder

    Quite a bit lower. :smuggrin:
     
    Evan Saltis likes this.
  17. Collecting Nut

    Collecting Nut Borderline Hoarder

    Need or want?
     
  18. COOPER12

    COOPER12 Well-Known Member

    both
     
  19. Collecting Nut

    Collecting Nut Borderline Hoarder

    That, I understand
     
    COOPER12 likes this.
  20. COOPER12

    COOPER12 Well-Known Member

    Probably more want than need though haha
     
    Collecting Nut likes this.
  21. Collecting Nut

    Collecting Nut Borderline Hoarder

    Yup, that’s how a collector becomes a hoarder. Lol
     
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