Does anyone remember the Native American made coin pouches the US Mint used some years ago?
291fifth
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I can't remember just what coin or medal issue they contained. Can anyone provide me with the answer to this and also the time when they were issued?
At the time they were issued the Native American made coin pouches were a very hot collectible item. Different tribes made them and aftermarket demand varied widely depending on the tribe. (Some of the pouches were quite elaborate while others were very simple.)
Is there any market for these Native American made coin pouches today? I haven't heard a mention of them in many years.
All glory is fleeting.
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2004 Lewis and Clark Coin and Pouch Set
....and some were recalled later:
"Almost three years later on October 31, 2007, the US Mint offered a refund of $130 for anyone who had received a set containing a pouch produced by the Shawnee Nation United Remnant Band of Ohio. A partial refund of $90 was offered for customers who wished to return the pouch and keep the coin.
A press release stated, “The United States Mint has learned that neither state nor Federal authorities recognize the Shawnee Nation United Remnant Band of Ohio as an official Indian tribe. Therefore, the pouch is not an authentic American Indian arts and crafts product.”
http://news.coinupdate.com/lewis-clark-coin-and-pouch-set-1673/
The article mentions that the set was priced at $120.00, and had a maximum product limit of 50,000 units. Looking at eBay, they appear to sell for well below issue price now.
@291fifth Is this it?
Edit to add: [@U1chicago beat me to it] Below is the US Mint press releases.
Lewis & Clark Coin & Pouch Set Available September 7
September 3, 2004
Limited Edition of Up to 50,000 Sets Features Proof Silver Dollar And Handcrafted American Indian Pouch
https://www.usmint.gov/news/press-releases/20040903-lewis-clark-coin-pouch-set-available-september-7
——-
But there was a problem...
United States Mint Offers Refund for Pouches That Are Not Authentic American Indian Products
October 31, 2007
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The United States Mint is offering a refund of $130 to persons who own the 2004 United States Mint Lewis and Clark Coin and Pouch Set, if the pouch was produced by the Shawnee Nation United Remnant Band of Ohio. The United States Mint has learned that neither state nor Federal authorities recognize the Shawnee Nation United Remnant Band of Ohio as an official Indian tribe. Therefore, the pouch is not an authentic American Indian arts and crafts product.
https://www.usmint.gov/news/press-releases/20071031-refund-for-unauthentic-american-indian-pouches
I had over 200 of these at one point, I have a web page that has pictures of most of them. I also have some of the official US Mint paperwork on which tribes were selected, how much the mint paid per pouch, among other things. It was a neat series. I learned a lot about the tribes and more about some individual artists that made them (some intentionally put "mistakes" in their bead-work). There are some counterfeits out there.
Now the mystery is solved! They are actually several years later than what I had thought.
I wonder if there is still any market for the pouches? (I never owned any. I just remember how hot an item they were at the time of issue. They may be another example of "All Glory Is Fleeting.")
Link? It sounds like a fun and educational set.
all the pouches seem to be different with the better looking ones selling for more on eBay
https://ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=2004+lewis+and+clark+pouch&_sacat=0&LH_Sold=1&LH_Complete=1&_sop=15
Flipped a few without ever opening.
Not my collecting cup of tea....
I've been told I tolerate fools poorly...that may explain things if I have a problem with you. Current ebay items - Nothing at the moment
Those are some pretty fancy boxes and Indian made art items. I suppose there not made in China or some factory in Ohio?
Still very impressive packaging looks like all that will cost you $40 to $60 extra. They had some just the coin around $25 to $30. I guess it all depends on what you want to keep.
Of course I have all my Fancy Original Mint boxes packed away down in the dark basement safe and sound. I suppose that’s where those fancy Indian pouches would end up if I were to buy one. Good thing I spent my monthly coin allowance already.
Interesting bit of exonumia. Like the coin. Peace Roy
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I have one of those. I was thinking just a couple of weeks ago that I should do a YN give-away at our next club meeting. But now I need to see if it might be one of those that was recalled. If so, it's a keeper. I love gubmint screw-ups.
Joseph J. Singleton - First Superintendent of the U.S. Branch Mint in Dahlonega Georgia
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