Native American coinage is a fast-growing area of collecting!
Things associated with the Old American West have special appeal around the world. And coins issued by Native American tribes, or their traditional culture, are a popular new focus of the collecting hobby!
Coins issued by Native American tribes
A few hundred tribes are recognized by the U.S. government as sovereign nations, so they are authorized to issue their own commemorative coins. Over a dozen have done so, including the Shawnee, Sioux and Jamul Nations as well as several tribes of California. The coins feature tribal members in traditional attire, famous chiefs, cultural symbols and more. Sales of the commemoratives bring in revenue, and more tribes are planning to issue coins.
These coins have captured the interest of collectors around the world. They include individual coins, series collections and denomination sets from 1¢ to $1. An ongoing Jamul Nation silver dollar series is honoring prominent tribes and native wildlife in each of the 50 states.
Coins honoring Native American heritage
The U.S. Mint first paid tribute to Native Americans on coinage during the mid-1800s. However, coin law required these issues to feature an image of Liberty. So the earliest tributes to Native Americans were actually images of Liberty wearing an Indian headdress!
The first such coins were “Indian Princess” gold dollars of 1854-1889. The second image of Liberty with an Indian headdress was on “Indian Head” cents of 1859-1909. These beloved pennies, struck for half a century, are considered America’s most attractive copper coins.
U.S. $10 gold coins of 1907-1933, designed by Augustus Saint-Gaudens, depict Liberty wearing an Indian war bonnet. However, $2.50 and $5.00 gold pieces of 1908-1929 picture an actual Native American chief. The famous “Buffalo” or “Indian Head” nickel of 1913-1938, depicting a plains bison and an Indian chief, is considered the most uniquely American design.
“Indian coinage” of the modern era
The modern era of “Indian coinage” kicked off with golden-colored dollars of 2000 to the present. The obverse depicts Sacagawea, the young Shoshone guide for the Lewis & Clark Exposition. Since 2009, the reverse of these coins has honored contributions by Native American tribes and individuals.
Now, a new quarter series from Littleton is honoring a well-known Native American tribe from each of the 50 states. The quarters are issued by the Jamul Nation and are available exclusively from Littleton in North America. The first two coins honor the Apache tribe of Arizona and Iroquois tribe of Pennsylvania. And store this new series in a custom folder, available exclusively from Littleton Coin Company!
If you enjoy Native American coinage, please let us know your favorites and any other comments you wish to share.
VERY interested.
Is there a way to entertain an auto-ship as these coins are released ?
If I understand correctly from your catalog, these are copper clad coins. No silver proofs ? And, are these coins proofs?
Hi David. Yes, the Native American Quarters are copper-nickel clad coins. At this time there are no silver proof versions being produced. The Native American Quarters are not proof. They’re offered as Uncirculated examples. If you’re interested in silver Native American coins, check out the Native American Silver Dollar collection by clicking the link below.
https://bit.ly/2GEketg
I am sorry we do not have a program to ship just the Native American Quarters on approval. I can tell you the plan is to release three coins every two months. We are in the process of getting a more exact schedule now. If you can check back with us periodically, we can let you know any more details as they become available. Have a good day! -Rick
Interested in an auto-ship plan as mentioned previously also. Could I get on a mailing list when you have worked something out? Thanks
Hi David, I’d suggest you sign up for our email newsletter. That way you’ll be kept up to date with the latest releases and any new programs we may be offering. Click on the link to sign up today! Have a great day! -Rick
http://www.littletoncoin.com/shop/EmailSubscribe
Are these Native American quarters legal tender? Will they be in circulation? What mint produces them?
Hi William, the Native American quarters are not U.S. legal tender. They are issued by the Jamul Nation tribe, which is recognized as a sovereign nation by the U.S. government and is authorized to issue its own commemorative coins, and the coins are privately minted. They will not be in circulation. I hope that helps. If you have any more questions, please let us know. Have a great day! -Rick
Is there a list of all tribes to featured?
Hi Chuck, here is a list of the tribes being featured. Have a great day! -Rick
Eskimo–Alaska, Chickasaw–Alabama, Caddo–Arkansas, Apache–Arizona, Kumeyaay–California, Pueblo–Colorado, Mohegan–Connecticut, Lenni Lenape–Delaware, Seminole–Florida, Cherokee–Georgia, Hawaiians–Hawaii, Fox–Iowa, Blackfoot–Idaho, Peoria–Illinois, Miami–Indiana, Pawnee–Kansas, Shawnee–Kentucky, Natchez–Louisiana, Mohican–Massachusetts, Susquehannock–Maryland, Passamaquoddy–Maine, Ojibwa–Michigan, Dakota–Minnesota, Osage–Missouri, Choctaw–Mississippi, Crow–Montana, Tuscarora–North Carolina, Chippewa–North Dakota, Arapaho–Nebraska, Abenaki–New Hampshire, Lenape–New Jersey, Navajo–New Mexico, Shoshone–Nevada, Mohawk–New York, Wyandot–Ohio, Cheyenne–Oklahoma, Creek–Oregon, Iroquois–Pennsylvania, Wampanoag–Rhode Island, Santee–South Carolina, Sioux–South Dakota, Catawba–Tennessee, Comanche–Texas, Patute–Utah, Rappahannock–Virginia, Pennacook–Vermont, Chinook–Washington, Potawatomi–Wisconsin, Seneca–West Virginia, Kiowa–Wyoming.
Are the Native American quarters Dated.
Hi Gordon, they are dated. The date is on the reverse side of the coins. Have a good day! -Rick
How many 6 coin sets of Native American Tribes have the Native American Mint produced? When did they begin producing these?
Hi Kenneth, sorry for taking so long to respond. The Jamul Nation have had 30 of the Native American Tribe sets produced so far.The series began in 2016. I hope that helps. Have a good day! -Rick
Is it possible to have these coins shipped automatically without having to regularly review your web page for new issues? Or, would you be able to at least notify me when new coin sets are available?
Hi Kenneth, your best bet would be to sign up for our email newsletter. This way you can get the most up-to-date info on when coins become available. You can subscribe to the newsletter right on our website http://www.littletoncoin.com. Have a good day! -Rick
Sounds like an interesting and unique collection. Right up my alley. Now the questions. Are all of the previously issued three coin sets currently available? Where can I find additional information about size, cost[, the custom album and other particulars? Thanks for your time.
HI Larry, here’s a link to our website where you can learn more about the Native American coins we are currently offering. Thanks for stopping by! -Rick
http://www.littletoncoin.com
I’m at a lost on how to finish my book!!
I’m 13 states short and can’t find them listed anywhere… the Native American quarters are beautiful…. Will more be available. Cynthia
Hi Cynthia, please call our Customer Service Department when you have a few minutes, so we can check on what’s available for Native American Quarters. We’re available from 7:30 AM to 9:00 PM ET, Mon-Fri. The number is 800-645-3122. Talk to you soon!