LOT #3007 |
Current Bid: $1
1788 1C Massachusetts Cent Reverse Die, Ryder G, PCGS Genuine....
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Description
1788 Ryder G Reverse Die
Jacob Perkins Engraved
The Only Known State Coinage Die
1788 1C Massachusetts Cent Reverse Die, Ryder G, PCGS
Genuine. The Massachusetts copper coinage produced in 1787 and
1788 included half cents and cents. The series consists of 11 half
cent varieties and 40 cent varieties; all created from combinations
of 33 obverse dies and 32 reverse dies. Among those varieties, the
1788 Ryder 4-G Massachusetts cent is scarce but occasionally
encountered in the present-day numismatic marketplace. High grade
circulated examples are rare, and Mint State pieces are unknown.
Associated with the coinage is a one-of-a-kind die for the reverse.
Photographic overlays confirm that all design elements of 1788
Reverse G match the die.Physical measurements of the die with additional observations
Diameter of design face (inside denticles): 28mm; diameter of design face (including denticles): 31mm; diameter of entire die: 35mm; thickness (height from base to face): 22mm; weight: 180.8 grams.
The die body appears mostly round with an imperfect, uneven edge and four flat points that are perfectly equidistant from each other at approximately 1:00, 4:00, 7:00, and 11:00, relative to the design. These flat spots are all triangular, pointing straight toward the die face, as if they would have expanded into four flat sides if the die were longer. The butt face of the die is virtually perfectly flat and has a bean-shaped divot in the middle.
The die face is perfectly flat, although heavily oxidized with rust and porosity that appears over the entire die surface on all sides. The beveled slope (chamfer) that necks down to the design is consistent around the circumference. Portions of the chamfer show circumnavigating striations from a lathe. Other portions show irregular vertical file marks. There is no notch in the die for mounting.
The extent of steel oxidation present means this die is at least 60 to 80 years old and possibly circa 1788. Raw steel like this takes decades to reach this outward appearance under normal circumstances, but then it tends to look the same for the next several hundred years if the oxidation is halted. We have seen CC Mint dies in worse shape, but they were buried. This die was probably never buried in the ground. PCGS has authenticated the die as the reverse die that was used for the Ryder 4-G Massachusetts cents in 1788, and we concur with their decision.
Provenance
We know little about the past ownership of this die. The late Richard August, a well-known specialist in colonial-era American numismatics, examined the die in August 1967, and wrote a letter to the owner:
"Dear Mr. Winrath,
"I just thought I'd drop you a note telling you that I enjoyed finding out about the history of your Mass. Cent die. It's certainly a once in a lifetime tale.
"For what it's worth I thought I'd give you a written memo to let you know that should you ever wish to part with this interesting item, I would always want to add it to my collection. Who knows but some day you might want some extra money (hopefully) for a vacation? I can only say that should I ever acquire the die, it would forever remain intact with my collection of die varieties of Mass. coppers which I am trying to collect.
"Sincerely,
[signed]
"Richard August"
Unfortunately, August did not repeat the history of the die in his letter. While the envelope was addressed to A.R. Winrath, a handwritten notation states: "Letter to Uncle Fred about the penny die." A.R. Winrath & Sons were antique dealers and auctioneers in Stoughton, Massachusetts.
Who engraved this die?
Based on the state of current knowledge, this die was most likely engraved by Jacob Perkins, an extraordinary revelation. Perkins is well known in the numismatic arena. He is also known as a scientist and inventor despite having little formal education. He was born in Newburyport, Massachusetts on July 9, 1766, and died in London, England on July 30, 1849. Perkins is recognized as the maker of the Washington funeral medals. He also contributed to bank note printing and worked as a commercial printer. His name is highly regarded in 19th century numismatic history. The opportunity to acquire a one-of-a-kind colonial coinage die from the state coinage series is unprecedented. We are unaware of any previous offering, and this item will serve as a focal point for a Massachusetts copper coinage collection.
Auction Info
2025 October 2 - 5 GACC US Coins Signature® Auction #1386 (go to Auction Home page)
Proxy Bidding Ends
October
2nd
Thursday
12:50 pm CT
Auction Dates
October
2nd-5th
Thursday-Sunday
Proxy Bidding Time Remaining
20 Days
22h 25m 26s
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 1
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This lot is in: 1 -
Signature® Premier Floor Session - PREMIER (Live Floor, Live Phone, Mail, Fax, Internet, and Heritage Live):
(Lots 3001-3238) - 1:00 PM Central Time, Thursday, October 2, 2025.
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Dallas, TX 75261
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