US Massachusetts Cent and Half Cent (Fakes are possible) 1787 and 1788

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts authorized production of these coins during 1786. The coins themselves are dated 1787 and 1788. They are highly prized collectibles. You can find worn ones on eBay, but those in better condition are reserved primarily by big time coin dealers and auction houses.

Note the arrows in the eagle's talons. The coins in our pictures have the arrows in the eagle's left talon. If you can find one with the arrows in the eagle's right talon, and if it is a genuine Massachusetts coin (see more info below), then it is very rare.

CENTS AND HALF CENTS (ARROWS IN LEFT TALON)
worn: $100 US dollars approximate catalog value
average circulated: $550
well preserved: $1200
fully uncirculated: $10000

CENT (ARROWS IN RIGHT TALON)
average circulated: $50000

Cents measure about 28 mm in diameter. Half cents meansure about 23 mm.

The image above shows typical departures of the dozens of types of fake Massachusetts cents around. The coin is valuable and crooks like to make copies of valuable coins. If you are buying one of these, be sure you have full confidence in the seller. There are several discussion threads about counterfeit Mass cents, like this one on CoinTalk and another interesting one at CollectorsUniverse. A good place to go for reliable information is CoinAuctionsHelp.
cqLastNotify