5-Dollars, Series of 1899 (Fr. 271; Hessler p.122, this piece), face Proof in black, featuring the head of Ta-to-ka-in-yan-ka or "Running Antelope" a member of the Hunkpapa Sioux, india paper on large card, with the signature of the engraver G.F.C. Smillie in pencil bottom right, the backing card with some pinholes and folds, occasional gray spots, otherwise excellent condition and unique

Details

5-Dollars, Series of 1899 (Fr. 271; Hessler p.122, this piece), face Proof in black, featuring the head of Ta-to-ka-in-yan-ka or "Running Antelope" a member of the Hunkpapa Sioux, india paper on large card, with the signature of the engraver G.F.C. Smillie in pencil bottom right, the backing card with some pinholes and folds, occasional gray spots, otherwise excellent condition and unique

Further details

The portrait is based on a photograph by Alexander Gardner taken in 1872. The photo was taken for the Bureau of Ethnology as a record of physical characteristics of different Indian tribes. Running Antelope wore three feathers for the photo. Later, an employee of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing posed with a war bonnet for the benefit of Mr. Smillie.