$5 1899 Silver Certificate Indian Chief Note ABOUT UNC 50 PPQ

Description

The five dollar silver certificate has always been one of the most popular denominations to collect. There are several different design types, all of which are popular and affordable in circulated condition. The 1899 $5 silver certificate is especially popular. It features a portrait of a Native American in full headdress. There were three different denominations of silver certificates printed in 1899. The five is the highest denomination and it is also the most expensive of the three types. The 1899 $5 bill was printed up until the early 1920s.

Most paper money dealers and collectors just call this a chief. We have heard other people call it an Indian. This is a situation where people are going to know what you are talking about whether you say chief or Indian.

The Native American depicted on the 1899 $5 bill is not just a random person. It is actually chief Running Antelope. He was a chief in the Hunkpapa tribe of Lokata Indians. He passed away in 1896, so he never got to see his likeness on United States paper money. This is another example of where people who appreciate American history also tend to like paper money. Another interesting fact is that star replacement notes were first used for 1899 $5 silver certificates (in 1910). In fact, the earliest star note known to exist actually has a solid star symbol instead of the star with a hole in it. So if you find one of those then you are in luck.