1899 $5 Silver Certificate Oncpapa Indian Chief Fr #281 PMG VF35

The FIRST And ONLY Time A Native American Graces U.S. Silver Certificate!

In 1899, the U.S. Bureau of Printing and Engraving released some of the most beautiful and coveted large-sized notes ever issued by the United States. The most popular of those notes features a powerful engraving of Running Antelope, Chief of the Oncpapa (Hunkpapa) Lakota Sioux on this large-sized $5 currency note. This is the first—and only—time a Native American image was used as the central motif on any U.S. paper currency. The central vignette of Running Antelope is highlighted by the bright vibrant blue seal and “V” denoting its denomination.

Note Stirs Controversy Among Native American Rivals

The note caused some ill will among the tribes of the Great Plains when it was issued as it depicted Running Antelope as a chief wearing a Pawnee headdress as the original Lakota headdress was too tall for the engraving. Apparently, the engravers at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing weren’t aware that the Lakota and Pawnee were mortal enemies on the Great Plains! Known as Ta-to-ka-in-yan-ka in Lakota, Running Antelope was a close advisor to the great Sitting Bull. As one of four principal “shirt wearers” or chiefs during the Plains Indians Wars, he eventually had a falling out with Sitting Bull because Running Antelope believed that compromise with the whites was in his people’s best interests.

One Of The Most Popular Currency Notes Of All Time

One of the most popular currency notes of all time, this note is currently ranked #10 in the book 100 Greatest American Currency Notes by numismatists Q. David Bowers and David M. Sundman. This 1899 $5 Silver Certificate is classified as Fr #281, a designation that refers to the numbering system in the widely used Paper Money of the United States reference book written by Arthur L. Friedberg and Ira S. Friedberg. The Fr numbers indicate varieties existing within a larger type design. This particular note has also been certified and graded by Paper Money Guaranty (PMG) as being in sought-after Very Fine-35 (VF35) condition.

Further, according to Bowers, only 6,000 to 9,000 of these notes are known to exist out of an estimated 566,054,000 that were printed. This note blends United States history and beautiful artwork to form a uniquely American artifact from the turn of the century. very few survive today in higher grades. The 1899 Series $5 Oncpapa Indian Chief Silver Certificate is a must-have for any collector. Add it to your cart today!

PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS:

• ONE OF THE TOP U.S. CURRENCY NOTES – The 1899 Series $5 Oncpapa Indian Chief Silver Certificate is one of the most popular American currency notes ever issued. Featuring the powerful image of Chief Running Antelope of the Oncpapa (Hunkpapa) Lakota Sioux Tribe, it’s the first and only paper currency issued by the United States to feature a Native American as its central motif.
• LARGE “HORSE BLANKET” SIZE – This vintage note is referred to as a “horse blanket” note for its large size. At 7.5" x 3.5" it is 25% larger than today’s dollar bill.
• LEGAL TENDER CURRENCY NOTE – Each Oncpapa Indian Chief Eagle Silver Certificate was $5 legal tender and was the backbone of five-dollar silver certificates issued well into the 1920s.
• INCREDIBLE GRADE FOR THIS TYPE OF NOTE – Your 1899 Series $5 Oncpapa Indian Chief Silver Certificate comes graded by Paper Money Guaranty (PMG) in Very Fine-35 (VF35) condition. That’s a remarkable grade considering the age and widespread circulation notes like this saw around the turn of the century and into the Roaring ’20s.

One of the most popular notes in the history of United States currency, the 1899 Series $5 Oncpapa Indian Chief Silver Certificate is an absolute must-have for any collector. Secure this fabulous note now!