1899 $ 5 Silver Certificate Chief PMG 8 # 766

Own a piece of our countries history. This 1899 $ 5 “CHIEF” Silver Certificate series. This is one of the most sought after and iconic large size notes!!

This note is a great building tool to start your large size note collection. Large sized currency is what our country used to pay for transactions for business, US Customs duties, and even your taxes. This was the start of our economy! Lots of history.

The story here enhances the certificate’s visual appeal but also imbues it with a rich cultural significance. This certificate is more than a piece of currency, it’s a slice of American history, embodying the evolution of the nation’s economic foundations and the diversity of its heritage.

The artistry and coloring were in a class of its own! There images are still defined and the “V with the 5” that are intertwined and and Blue Seal, still have some good color.

Encountering an 1899 $5 Silver Certificate Indian Chief, is akin to uncovering a treasured masterpiece from a bygone era. Esteemed not only for its striking design but also for its historical significance, this currency is a marvel in the realm of paper money collecting.
It stands as a testament to both its preservation and the fiscal history of the United States, making it a coveted piece for collectors and historians alike.

The front of this certificate is graced by the portrait of Running Antelope, a respected Hunkpapa Lakota chief, marking the only time an Indigenous American was featured on U.S. paper currency.

The chief is seen wearing an Indian peace medal featuring US President Andrew Johnson. He had a three feather headdress and his hair is adorned with fur. He is seated and he holds a wing-fan and a Peace Pipe.

During the photoshoot Running Antelope wore his three-feathered headdress but when engraving for the note, his headdress did not fit in the space of the 1899 five-dollar Silver Certificate.

The photographer, G.F. Smillie found an image of a feathered war bonnet that was likely Pawnee and he used it in the engraving. Because of the incorrect headdress, the engraved portrait was controversial. The Sioux were enemies of the Pawnee so the depiction of a Sioux chief with his enemies war bonnet became a controversy. Because of the depiction of a Native American on the obverse, collectors refer to the note as the "Indian Chief Note"

The note is graded by PMG in Very Good 8. Higher grades command much higher pricing in the thousands! There are some pieces missing, but it is priced accordingly. This is a great way to start your “large sized” currency collection. It’s perfect to share with the family. The large sized note category, especially this note, have always been the most sought after.

The notes are encased and sealed by PMG. Every PMG certified note is backed by the industry leading PMG guarantee, which provides greater protection for both BUYERS AND SELLERS.