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 Half Cent, 1787.

Obverse: Same general description as the Cent of 1787.

Reverse: Same in general as the Cent of 1787, except that the shield upon some specimens, bears only “HALF CENT.” Borders, milled; edge plain; size, 15 to 15½; weight, 75 to 83 grains.

The “Cent,” 1788. Twelve Types. Thirteen Varieties.

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.

Fugios or Franklin Cents.

The Fugios or Franklin Cents are the earliest coins issued by authority of the United States. They being all dated 1787, and made in conformity with resolution of Congress, dated July 6, 1787: