Colonial Coinage Replica Appraisal

Modern Reproduction of a 1788 Massachusetts Cent

Current visual analysis reveals a small copper-toned metallic disc featuring the heraldic eagle of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The obverse displays an eagle with wings outspread, clutching an olive branch and arrows, with a shield on its breast inscribed 'CENT'. The text 'MASSACHUSETTS' arcs around the top border, while the date '1788' is situated at the bottom. The item exhibits a pebbled, uneven surface texture and a dark, artificial-looking patina that is characteristic of cast zinc or pewter alloy reproductions rather than the struck copper planchets used in original 18th-century numismatic production. The strike appears soft and lacks the fine detail of an authentic colonial-era cent. There are visible casting pits and an uneven rim, suggesting this is a modern novelty piece or souvenir often sold at historic sites. The condition shows superficial wear and dark oxidization throughout the recessed areas, which mimics age but does not align with natural circulation wear patterns of authentic copper coins of the era. The metallic composition appears to be a copper-plated base metal rather than solid high-grade copper.