The Smithsonian example of William Barber's 1877 sailors head half dollar. The obverse is similar to that used on 20 cent, half eagle and eagle patterns of 1875 and dollar patterns of 1876. This design was also used in 1877 on dime, quarter and dollar patterns. The illustrated piece is the Smithsonian example and is one of about 8 known. The Byron Reed-Durham Museum example is also available for viewing. To view this coin, click here. For pedigree information on this and all 1877 half dollars, click here. This design was also struck in silver J1501/P1654 with only 2 known. Photo courtesy of the National Numismatic Collection of the Smithsonian Institution.