1787 1/2C Massachusetts Half Cent

Coin Details

Description

As the inaugural issue of the Massachusetts half cent denomination, this 1787 copper carries special significance as the first year of production from the state's authorized mint in Boston. The Massachusetts legislature passed its coinage act in October 1786, and production commenced in 1787 under the supervision of Captain Joshua Witherle, with dies engraved by Joseph Callender. Struck in copper at 5.4 grams with a 22 mm diameter and plain edge, the coin features an obverse spread eagle with COMMONWEALTH and the date, paired with a reverse Indian figure holding a bow and arrow alongside MASSACHUSETTS and HALF CENT. Cataloged as Ryder 1-A — the primary die marriage for this date — and Whitman 5940, with PCGS #296. The 1-A die combination represents the starting point of Massachusetts half cent production, making specimens from this die pair the earliest half cents produced by any American mint. Massachusetts coppers stand apart from other state coinages of the Confederation period for their government-supervised quality control and consistent metallic standards, contrasting sharply with the often irregular products of private contractors in Connecticut, New Jersey, and Vermont. The scarce survival rate of first-year issues reflects both the limited initial production run as the mint established its operations and the heavy circulation these small-denomination coppers endured in everyday New England commerce. Colonial specialists collecting by Ryder die variety consider the 1-A marriage an essential starting point for a comprehensive Massachusetts half cent collection.

Rarity Notes

Scarce. First year of issue.

Cross References

Ryder 1-A; Whitman 5940