Surprising People Who Have Appeared On US Currency

Running Antelope

Another precedent-setting event for US currency saw the appearance of Running Antelope on the 1899 $5 bill. The Sioux Chief of the Hunkpapa is the first (and to date, only) Native American to grace any of the paper currency in the United States, though some have appeared on coins.

It’s important for the Native Americans to be given a public identity. So much of their history and culture is not taught in America, and many people know little about them. That’s why Chief Running Antelope appearing on a $5 bill was such a big deal. Unfortunately, we’ve not seen a repeat since, but hopefully, we will.