American Indians have always been one of the most popular themes ever to appear on American coins. Now, GovMint.com has assembled a fabulous set that honors both Native Americans and the coins that they have been featured on over the years. The Tribute to Native Americans Collection is a magnificent appreciation of the American Indian, a culture that has been as important to shaping our country as any foreign nation. The coins in the collection are:

1859-1909 “Indian Head” Cent — Designed by U.S. Mint Engraver James B. Longacre, this classic design circulated for 60 years! The image on the coin’s obverse is actually Liberty wearing an Indian headdress. In fact, rumor has it that Longacre used his daughter as his model for the Indian likeness on the cent!

1913-1938 “Buffalo” Nickel — One of the most popular coins in U.S. history, Designer James Earle Fraser’s images of an authentic Native American on the obverse and a buffalo on the reverse are considered by many collectors to be the epitome of the “Wild West.” The Indian Chief depicted is a composite of three different chiefs who sat for Fraser as he sculpted its design; John Big Tree, Iron Tail and Two Moons. The famous buffalo pictured on the reverse was modeled after “Black Diamond,” a famous attraction then on display at the New York Zoological Gardens.

1908-1929 $2.50 Gold Quarter Eagle — Up until this coin was struck, “Indian” designs on coins were basically depictions of Lady Liberty wearing a headdress. Not only was this the first coin to feature a faithful depiction of a Native American, it was also one of only two coins (the other is the $5 Gold Half Eagle featuring the same design) in U.S. history to be struck with an incuse image where the image is struck below the face of the coin instead of raised above it. The work of Bela Lyon Pratt, a protégé of famous American sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens, the $2.50 Gold Quarter Eagle is a scarce classic that is highly prized by collectors both for its gold and its unique design.

All three coins are in circulated condition and were individually selected by hand for superb eye appeal. The entire set comes beautifully displayed in a presentation case and is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. In addition, each set also comes with a genuine arrowhead.