OFFICIAL INDIAN COINS HELP PROMOTE UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN TRIBES AND GENERAL PUBLIC Coins provide sense of pride, accomplishment, while generating exposure and financial gain for the Tribe.
News-Antique.com - May 24,2007 - The United States has issued many coins featuring American Indians. Now the Indians have turned the tables…and have issued their own coins! Panda America Corp., based in Torrance, California and located just 20 miles from downtown Los Angeles, is the leading commemorative coin company in the United States. They are currently working with Native American Indian Tribes on a series of officially minted coins depicting specific tribes that helps to build bridges of understanding between Indian Tribes and American citizens.
The coin series began in 2002; with two tribes that they currently work with: the Poarch Band of Creek Indians and the Shawnee Tribe. The coins attracted considerable amount of attention not just in the coin industry, where collectors are consistently searching for American History items, but also among casual Americans looking to learn more about America’s History and Native Americans in general.
Having a coin made of a specific Tribe helps in many ways, but most importantly it’s a way to gain positive exposure and create further understanding of each Tribe and its specific history. Peter Yeung, President at Panda America, says that for many tribes, it is a source of pride to see their Tribe featured prominently on a 1-ounce gold or silver bullion coin. In addition, the coins come handsomely packaged with a certificate of authenticity from the Tribe.
Helping gain understanding and positive exposure is wonderful, but it is also great when the Tribes can gain financially as well. Every Tribe that has a coin issue featuring them receives a royalty from each coin that is sold, and with mintages as high as 100,000, the financial benefits for the Tribe can be a nice additional source of income that the Tribe can use however they choose.
Because the coins are officially approved coins, Panda America has worked closely with each Tribe and each Tribe has approved every aspect of the process. Some Tribes choose to feature their logo or crest, while others feature specific individuals, former chiefs or leaders in the Tribes History, as well as pivotal events in the Tribes history.
If you are interested in being a part of the Indian Commemorative Coin program, you can do so by reaching William Graessle, Program Manager, at 310-373-9647. It’s a great way to promote positive goodwill among Indian Tribes and American Citizens.
