This stunning silver certificate has the distinction of being the first U.S. currency to feature Native Americans as the primary motif. Its vibrant design is only matched by its fascinating history.

Currency Highlights

The front of the note contains an image of the Chief for the Lakota Sioux tribe, whose name was Running Antelope. His central vignette is highlighted through the usage of a blue colored seal as well as the letter “V” which is a reference to the denomination. He wears the Pawnee headdress, but it should be noted that the original was too large for engraving. Running Antelope is said to have been an advisor for Sitting Bull.

The 1899 $5 Indian Chief Silver Certificate was well received upon its release. Its creation was the result of the 4^th Coinage Act which put the U.S. within a gold standard. In fact, it ultimately became one of the most recognized currency bills of its time, and masterfully blends American artwork and history. It isn’t the rarest bill of its day since millions of units were issued, but because of the length of time that has passed since its inception, very few specimens survive in premium grades, and the few that do command high prices.

This currency is notable for its big “horse blanket” form, and with dimensions of 7.5 x 3.5 the note is roughly twenty five percent bigger than the modern U.S. dollar bill. It should also be emphasized that this bill was considered legal tender for its time. Every Indian Chief Silver Certificate had a $5 face value which made it the standard silver certificate up until the 1920s. While it is possible to find these notes in VF (Very Fine) condition, it is becoming exceedingly rare, and this trend is likely to continue into the future.

Background

During the first 150 years of American history the nation was on a silver standard during various periods. This meant that the U.S. dollar was then backed by physical silver that could be redeemed at any time. During the same period, the nation was also being transformed as the original 13 Colonies expanded westward, creating inevitable conflict and strife with the Amerindian tribes that already inhabited the area.

One such area was the Great Plains. While the European settlers did battle with the Native American tribes there (and in other parts of North America), the Amerindians also fought with one another. In fact, the Pawnee and Lakota were fearsome enemies that contested the Great Plains at the same time Europeans were expanding westward. It is for this reason that the introduction of the 1899 $5 Indian Chief Silver Certificate caused quite a stir among the Great Plains tribes.

Running Antelope was a prominent “shirt wearer” who took part in what became the Great Plains Wars, and though relations between him and Sitting Bull were good at first, their relations would sour since Running Antelope felt that compromising with White settlers was in the best interests of his people.