1899 $5 Large Size Silver Certificate Oncpapa Indian Chief Grades vf++ Signatures Lyons/Roberts. FR-271 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 quite popular. The 1899 $5 silver certificate is especially popular. The powerful engraving of Running Antelope, Chief of the Oncpapa (Hunkpapa) Lakota Sioux is featured on this large-sized $5 currency note from 1899. 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. 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 was in his people’s best interests. Certainly one of the most popular currency notes of all time, this note blends United States history and beautiful artwork to form a uniquely American artifact from the turn of the century. While millions of these notes were printed, very few survive today. The 1899 Series $5 Oncpapa Indian Chief Silver Certificate is a must-have for any collector