1787 Massachusetts Half Cent NGC VF20BN

It sounds like you’re interested in a specific and historically significant piece of early American coinage! Here’s a detailed breakdown of the 1787 Massachusetts Half Cent, specifically one graded NGC VF20BN:

Historical Context of the 1787 Massachusetts Half Cent

After the American Revolution, during the period of the Articles of Confederation (1781-1789), the newly independent states faced the challenge of establishing a stable currency. The central government under the Articles was weak and lacked the power to effectively mint and regulate coinage for the entire nation. As a result, several individual states took the initiative to mint their own copper coins to facilitate commerce and address the shortage of small change.

Massachusetts was one of these states. In 1786, the Massachusetts General Court authorized the establishment of a state mint in Boston. This mint produced both copper cents and half cents in 1787 and 1788. These coins are particularly notable because they were among the first U.S. coins to explicitly use the denomination “CENT” (or “HALF CENT”), which was defined as one one-hundredth of a Spanish milled dollar (the de facto standard currency of the time).

The designs for the Massachusetts coppers were officially adopted on October 17, 1786:

• Obverse: Features a standing Native American figure holding a bow in his right hand and an arrow in his left. Around the border is the legend “COMMON WEALTH” (sometimes seen as “COMMONWEALTH” or other variations).
• Reverse: Depicts a heraldic eagle with a shield on its breast. The shield bears the denomination “HALF CENT.” Around the border is the legend “MASSACHUSETTS” and the date “1787.”

These coins were generally well-produced for their time and are considered among the most attractive of the early state-issued coppers. They represent an important chapter in the development of American numismatics, preceding the full establishment of the federal U.S. Mint in 1792.

Understanding “NGC VF20BN”

Now let’s break down the specific grading you provided:

• NGC: This stands for Numismatic Guaranty Company, which is one of the leading and most respected third-party coin grading services in the world (along with PCGS). When a coin is “slabbed” by NGC, it means they have authenticated it and assigned it a professional, objective grade. This provides confidence in the coin’s genuineness and condition.

• VF20: This is the specific grade assigned to the coin.

  • VF stands for “Very Fine.”
  • 20 is the numerical designation on the Sheldon grading scale (which ranges from 1 to 70).
  • A coin graded VF20 shows moderate wear on the high points of the design. All major details are still clear and distinct, but the highest points, where the most metal was worn away from circulation, will be flat. For the 1787 Massachusetts Half Cent, you would still be able to clearly make out the Native American’s figure, his bow and arrow, and the eagle on the reverse. Fine details like individual feathers on the eagle or very specific hair strands on the Native American might be worn smooth, but the overall design elements are well-defined.

• BN: This refers to the color designation of the copper coin.

  • BN stands for “Brown.” Copper coins, over time, react with the environment and develop a patina. “Brown” indicates that the coin has primarily a brown coloration. This is the most common color for older circulated copper coins.
  • Other color designations for copper coins are “RD” (Red, indicating significant original mint red luster) and “RB” (Red-Brown, indicating a mix of red and brown toning). For a coin graded VF20, which has seen considerable circulation, a “BN” designation is typical and expected.

Collectibility and Value

The 1787 Massachusetts Half Cent is highly collectible due to its:

• Early American Origin: It’s a foundational piece of U.S. coinage history.
• State Coinage Status: It represents a unique period before a unified federal currency system.
• Aesthetic Appeal: The designs are considered attractive for the era.

A 1787 Massachusetts Half Cent graded NGC VF20BN is a desirable piece for collectors of Colonial and Early American coinage. While not in the highest uncirculated grades, VF20 represents a well-preserved circulated example that clearly displays its historical design.

Based on current market trends (as of late 2024 / early 2025), the value for a 1787 Massachusetts Half Cent graded NGC VF20BN typically falls in the range of $600 to $900. However, prices can vary based on:

• Specific Eye Appeal: Some coins within the same grade can look better than others (e.g., less distracting marks, more even toning).
• Die Variety: There can be subtle die variations for these coins, and some are rarer than others. While “VF20BN” doesn’t specify a variety, a recognized rare variety would command a premium.
• Market Demand: Prices can fluctuate based on current collector interest and auction results.

In summary, your 1787 Massachusetts Half Cent NGC VF20BN is a genuine, well-preserved example of a historically important coin from the early days of the United States, offering a tangible link to the financial landscape of the post-Revolutionary War era.