1787 1/2C Massachusetts Colonial NGC MS64BN

Here is a chocolate brown example of a desirable colonial issue. The obverse presents a standing American Indian holding a bow and arrow. Surrounding him is COMMON (left) and WEALTH (right). Upon the reverse is an eagle with shield over his chest. He is holding a branch in his right talon and arrows in the left. The text on the reverse reads: MASSACHUSETTS / HALF CENT / 1787. NGC has graded 9 as MS64BN with just 6 finer. Collector’s Universe prices this colonial issue at $6,500.00 in MS64BN.

Massachusetts coppers were well received and remained in circulation for decades. These coins were produced with well-made copper planchets and were well struck. Also, while several of the private state mints of the confederation era would lower costs by distributing lightweight coins, the Massachusetts mint only struck coins at their full legal weight. The estimated total mintage of Massachusetts Half Cents is 61,500-79,500 from six obverse dies (Ryder 1-6) and four reverse dies (Ryder A-D). These were all produced by Callender and are found in 9 combinations.

An illustration of Shay’s Rebellion in 1787, the same year this coin was struck. Shay's Rebellion was an armed uprising in Western Massachusetts and Worcester in response to a debt crisis among the people and in opposition to the state government's increased efforts to collect taxes on both individuals and their trades.