I am interested in learning more about this coin. I know two 1877 $50 gold pieces are in the Smithsonian and am interested if there is a reference that tells more about them. Why made? Why not circulated? etc. Sincerely, Gordon Muckler gmuckler@ncmintonline.com ------------------------------------------------ Gordon: In addition to the standard reference works such as David Akers U.S. Gold Patterns, take a look at the following: Scott Stamp & Coins "Coin Collectors Journal" in 1886 by R. Coulton Davis. June 1909 and Dec 1910 editions of the Numismatist. Coin World 8/16/97 and 11/16/98. Bowers and Merena's Rare Coin Review #113 September 1996.