A 1928 $50 gold certificate will lead a sale at Heritage Auctions on April 23-25 with a $100,000-120,000 estimate.
Graded PCGS gem new 65, the note is among the finest known examples of the issue.
Gold certificates were issued in large numbers by the Roosevelt administration prior to the passing of Executive Order 6102, which banned the private possession of monetary gold.
![]() High denomination US currency certificates had a high rate of redemption due to a ban on gold ownership in 1933 |
This resulted in a high rate of redemption for large denomination notes. Only around a dozen of the $50 gold stars are known to have survived in a variety of grades.
A $5 1899 Chief silver certificate is expected to make in excess of $40,000. Graded PCGS Superb Gem 68, the note is the finest example of its type in existence.
![]() The note depicts Chief Running Antelope wearing an innacurate headdress |
The Native American pictured on the note is Running Antelope (1821-1896), a Sioux leader who advised Sitting Bull during the American Indian Wars.
A pragmatist, he argued for cooperation with the colonists - a stance that set him in opposition to Sitting Bull.
There was some controversy when the note was released as he was depicted wearing a headdress of the rival Pawnee tribe. Despite this, he remains one of the few Native Americans ever to be depicted on US currency.
Check out our fascinating selection of coins available in our store.
Why not sign up to our free newsletter?