Illustrated history of the United States mint / with a complete description of American coinage, from the earliest period to the present time

by Unknown

Massachusetts Cent, 1788.

Obverse: A clothed Indian, standing, facing left, in his right hand a bow, in his left an arrow. Legend: “COMMONWEALTH.”

Reverse: A spread eagle, a broad shield upon his breast, six pales gules (upright), a chief azure (open or plain). Upon the chief, or upper part of the shield, the word “CENT,” in bold Roman lettering. In exergue, beneath a heavy horizontal bar, the date 1787. Borders, milled; edge, plain; size, 16½ to 19; weight, 146 to 165 grains.