1788 Mass 1 cent - 2nd opinion..?

Discussion in 'US Coins Forum' started by larssten, Oct 21, 2021.

  1. larssten

    larssten Well-Known Member

    Hello!
    I have a photo of a Mass 1 cent dated 1788. Not that I suspect that its not authentic, just wanted to hear if someone would give a second opinion of this coin?
    It has some issues obviously, like scratches, edge nicks and some green corrosive spots, but still a great type-coin from the colonial era for my humble collection if considered authentic.

    Any thought?

    Thanks in advance!




    TNF auksjon lot 82 Mass 1 cent 1788_2.jpg
    TNF auksjon lot 82 Mass 1 cent 1788_1.jpg
     
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  3. SensibleSal66

    SensibleSal66 U.S Casual Collector / Error Collector

    Looks Legit. What's the asking price ?? Have you narrowed down the type yet ? Even though it's damaged, it's valued at about $100 Non-dug . Dug , maybe $50 . IMHO
     
    larssten likes this.
  4. larssten

    larssten Well-Known Member

    Thanks for your evaluation. Its up for auction at a local coin show in Norway with a starting price of equivalent of $120. Leaning towards non-dug..since it appeared in Norway.
     
  5. SensibleSal66

    SensibleSal66 U.S Casual Collector / Error Collector

    @larssten Well, I'm not a Professional on Colonial coins but I've seen many having lived in Connecticut all my life . In my honest opinion , I would have to pass . Check Ebay for better specimens for the same price . IMHO
     
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  6. Publius2

    Publius2 Well-Known Member

    The OP's coin matches the Ryder 1-D die marriage, a pretty common variety. So, it's most likely genuine.

    But it is a damaged coin and is not worth the asking price of $120. Plus, I would look for a more eye-appealing coin.
     
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  7. johnmilton

    johnmilton Well-Known Member

    It's hard to price American coins when you are buying them in a far-off foreign country, The supply of Mass. cents is probably not very large in Norway, and to get one from the states would have foreign exchange rates and shipping.

    This piece is very expensive at $125 in my opinion. These coins do come nicer, and you are bound to find a better one eventually, especially if you were to visit here.

    I bought this one raw many years ago for $100 and had it graded by NGC. They called it "EF-45." I think it's over graded. It looks like VF-25 to me. Nevertheless, you can look it from the perspective of what a no problem piece should appear.

    Mass Cent O.jpg Mass Cent R.jpg

    I didn't sell it when I upgraded the issue because I saw that I couldn't get much for it.

    Here is a high end example that is graded AU-58. Don't tell me that there only 13 grading points between these two coins. These pieces do come nice, but it takes a little digging. Beware of fakes. There have been some modern copies made that could be "aged" and sold for the real thing.

    1788 Mass Cent O.jpg 1788 Mass Cent R.jpg
     
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  8. scottishmoney

    scottishmoney Buh bye

    In the October Collectors Choice auction at Stacks they have several 19th century forgeries of this up for auction.
     
  9. larssten

    larssten Well-Known Member

    Sold today for the equivalent of $250 + 10% today
     
  10. johnmilton

    johnmilton Well-Known Member

    That price is WAY too high. You did well to avoid it.
     
  11. larssten

    larssten Well-Known Member

    Yeah decided to skip it. Although the reason for the high price is probably access to these type of coins in Norway. Never seen it offered for sale before.
     
  12. Eduard

    Eduard Supporter**

    Crazy high price for a common variety Mass. Cent in that condition.
    I found this one at a coin show here in Germany for a small fraction of that price. Maybe I got lucky that day, but I recommend you look in coin shows (whenever they start again) or in Ebay. Massachusetts Cent 1788 - OBV:REV - GP best - June 13 2021.png
     
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