This was a very unique custom order requested by a historian. He was gifting this archaic $5 Silver Certificate, and wanted a high end case to display it in that was as special as the piece of history inside. Handmade using beautiful bloodwood, this case frames in the collector’s currency, allowing it to be seen from both front and back. The lid sits on a display box that features a pull-out tray with hidden compartment for the paperwork, history, and a plaque.

Each side of the top lid is expertly framed with beautiful trim work. The display case lid can be lifted up to show either side of the displayed piece. Underneath the lid, there is a pullout tray with different compartments to hold documentation and information as well as a hidden compartment underneath the tray.

History of the Collector’s Currency

Series 1899 $5 Silver Certificate

The large size Series 1899 $5 silver certificate is one of the more iconic five dollar bills. The series of 1899 five dollar silver certificate goes by many names.  It is sometimes called an indian, chief, running antelope, or onepapa.  All of the names derive from the fact that there is a Native American featured on the front of each 1899 $5 bill.

This note was ranked 10st most beautiful note in the book 100 Greatest American Currency Notes compiled by Bowers and Sundman.

Obverse: Portrait of a of Ta-to-ka-in-yan-ka, also known as Running Antelope, a member of the Oncpapa tribe of Sioux Indians. George F. C. Smillie engraved the portrait. This is the only issue of U.S. paper money for which a Native American was selected as the central feature.

The obverse also bears the phrases “SILVER CERTIFICATE”, “THIS CERTIFIES THAT THERE HAVE BEEN DEPOSITED IN THE TREASURY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Five Silver Dollars Payable to the Bearer on demand. Washington, D.C.” It measures 7 3/8 by 3 1/8 inches and bears the distinctive blue seal and serial numbers that mark it as a genuine Silver Certificate.