The E-Sylum:  Volume 10, Number 23, June 10, 2007, Article 24

AMERICAN INDIAN NUMISMATIC ITEM CATALOG

Last week I asked if anyone had compiled a study of numismatic 
items associated with various American Indian tribes (other than 
the familiar Indian Peace Medals and wampum items. A reader asks: 
"Would it be appropriate to add to the list of Native American-related 
items the casino tokens and chips issued by native-owned casinos?"

I would say yes, that casino items should be included in such a 
catalog. But so far no one has indicated that such a catalog exists. 
Maybe there just aren't many items to deal with, but I would be 
surprised if there aren't a good number of unlisted token and scrip 
items in existence. 

Wouldn't you know it that the June 4th blog entry by Colin Bruce of 
Numismatic News just happens to feature numismatic items "authorized 
by the Sovereign Nation of the Shawnee Tribe"? Designed by Alex 
Shagin, the medals were struck in 0.999 fineness, and available both 
in uncirculated and proof versions. Both items will be cataloged in 
the forthcoming fifth edition of 'Unusual World Coins'.

"The dollar dated 2005 has the Shawnee Tribe's seal on the obverse, 
while the reverse has a remarkable depiction of Lewis, Clark, their 
guide, Drouillard, and Sacagawea in a moving canoe on an angle. I 
might add that this is quite an engraving feat in itself to illustrate 
depth in a flat surface. This piece commemorates the 200th anniversary 
of the 'Expedition of Discovery'.

"The second dollar of the Shawnee Tribe dated 2006 has the similar 
obverse with the Tribal Seal, while on the reverse is a very detailed 
half-length figure depicting Tenskwatawa, 'The Prophet'.

"Both coins are superb examples of a private mint's abilities - at 
least as far as I am concerned. These came in a batch of other 
denominations including gold and platinum commemoratives of the 
Shawnee Tribe submitted by Robert Mish, located in Menlo Park, Calif. 
They are struck in similar denominations, weights and sizes as the 
commemoratives issued by the U.S. Mint." 

To read Colin Bruce's complete blog entry, see: Full Story

CATALOG OF THE "OTHER" MONEY OF AMERICAN INDIANS?
esylum_v10n22a16.html

  Wayne Homren, Editor

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