1788 Massachusetts Commonwealth Half Cent...Real? value?

Hey guys. Found this coin in my backyard and was wondering the value and if it is real. It is a 1788 Massachusetts Commonwealth Half Cent. I live in Boston, and my property was a stagecoach station in the early 1800's. Thanks for your opinions!

 

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Hi 12yroldcollectr,

It does look real to me, but it is quite corroded (expected when found in the ground). There are only two 1788 MA 1/2 Cent varieties of which this is the more common of the two. (The other variety is very scarce and a key for the 1/2 cent series). The variety is known as the Ryder 1-B and is considered a R-2. The value is somewhere in the $50-80 range in this condition because of the corroded surfaces. Obviously the value would be significantly higher if the surfaces were choice brown and smooth. It still is a great story and a great find!!

 

Thanks. It was a cool find. I hope in the spring i could find more!

 

Dang that is an awesome coin with an even cooler story behind it! If I were you I would ask for a metal detector for your next birthday - who knows what may be out there!