Cherokee Nation Medal 1979

[Scottishmoney]

Various individuals and even groups have attempted at one time or another to create Native American Micro-nations, a small country that is independent. In the late 1970's a Texan, Herbert Williams, with 1/4 Native American blood bought a 140 acre island in the Rio Grande river that was created during hurricane Beulah. The island was claimed by neither Mexico or the United States because of the Treaty of Hildago stated that neither nation would claim islands that formed in the river. Using this as a basis for creating a nation, Mr. Williams set about creating the so called Cherokee Nation which he planned would be a land of casinos, a tax haven etc. Despite the offer, nobody came. He apparently had these medals struck in 1979, then later had 50 Eagles coins struck with a similar design in 1980. Approximately 500 of the 1 Oz size coins were struck. I knew about the coins, but the 1979 dated medals remain a bit of a mystery, and may have been struck in much smaller numbers.

 

 

The design of the medal is close to the 1980 dated silver coin, but the field on this medal has a sand effect that was not on the coins, otherwise the Native American and the teepee on the reverse are very similar to the coin. I remember when the coins were released and being sold through Canadian dealers thinking the teepee on the reverse was a bit ridiculous, as Cherokee never resided in teepees, usually in long houses, or log cabins. Teepees were used more by Midwestern tribes.

[david24597]

The picture isn't showing. Has it been removed?

[ccg]

It's linked from geocities, which has been shut down.

[Saor Alba]

Geocities gave up the ghosts in Oct. 2008 and the hosted site moved - but apparently some of the images did not. Cannot find it on the flash drives either.

 

Here is an image of a note that circulated in the original Cherokee Nation in 1862:

 

 

This note is very rare, and there is a near unique $5 bill that was issued by the Cherokee Nation during the civil war.

 

With the bronze medal, it is the only one I have ever seen, otherwise everything with that 1979 matter was issued in silver and I have seen the 50 Eagle coins selling for about melt sometimes. I have to believe the bronze medal is much scarcer than the silver "coin".

 

BTW there were other issues by a group claiming to be the "original" Cherokee Nation in the early 1990's and there were lawsuits or threats of them.

[david24597]

That's an interesting note Saor Alba and the only paper money I have seen issued by the Cherokee.

 

BTW there were other issues by a group claiming to be the "original" Cherokee Nation in the early 1990's and there were lawsuits or threats of them.

 

I think you're refering to the 1 Adela silver coin issued in 2000 by the UCN (United Cherokee Nation). They made 4,000 and sold about 1,000 until some other Cherokee factions complained about it so the US Governemt stopped all further sales of this piece. Last I heard the 3,000 pieces they could not sell had been melted down for the silver in them. At least I know of no other issued before 2000 aside from the 7 varieties of the 1980 50 Eagles pieces.

 

While we're on the subject does anyone know where I might be able to find the following 3 pieces:

 

1) 1980 Silver Cherokee 50 Eagles Type 2 (the one that has 0.925 stamp on it)

2) 1980 Brass Cherokee 50 Eagles Type 2 (also with the 0.925 stamp)

3) 2006 Southern Cherokee Silver Dollar

 

Thx,

David

[Saor Alba]

I see the 1979 coins sell for anywhere from less than bullion value to markups of $200 or more. The medal I have is very similar to the coins, with same obverse(front) and "Created by an Act of God" and the date on it on the reverse with no denomination. It is remarkably similar to the 50 Eagles coins. Keep checking on fleaBay, there is a seller on there that sells a lot of unrecognised states coinages and has them from time to time.

[david24597]

Would you happen to know the name of that seller? I could contact him/her about it see if they have any more for sale or know where I could find one.

 

Thx

 

BTW Saor Alba, would you happen to have a picture of your 1979 medal?

[david24597]

Did everybody go home?

[Saor Alba]

Did everybody go home?

 

 

No, they had to remember where the medal was and re-image it:

 

 

I vaguely remember when Herbert Williams was promoting this "country" in the early 1980's when I was a kid. I saw an article in the paper about the place, and looked for a long time for one of the 50 Eagles coins, or even the postage stamps. Back in the days before the internet that was a task. I have never bought one of the 50 Eagles coins, but I have seen them trade for melt on up to moon money depending on who is selling or buying. I have seen the stamps come up from time to time in fleaBay auctions, but admittedly they have no interests anymore.

 

I could say a lot more, but PM is the way to go.

[david24597]

Ooooh, TYVM Saor Alba. That's a very nice medal!!!

 

BTW. You Have Mail!!!

[hiho]

I am beginning to think that Saor Alba has the most diverse collection of coins, medals and paper money IN THE WORLD.

[david24597]

I am beginning to think that Saor Alba has the most diverse collection of coins, medals and paper money IN THE WORLD.

 

I would LOVE to see more of his stuff!!

 

I'm especially interested in that 1979 Cherokee Medal. It's very similar to the four 50 Eagles types I have (three 1980s and my avatar is the 1989). Top left is the sterling silver Type 1, top right is a Cu-Ni-Zn variety (darker in color and thinner than the silver piece), bottom left is a Brass Proof Type 1 and the bottom right is the 1989 "Wa-he-yo" ("Clear The Way") variety. Notice the 1989 one is the only "coin" oriented piece, the others are medal oriented. All of them, 'cept for the 1989 piece, were struck with the same die that made the sterling silver ones, is why they all say "ONE OUNCE FINE SILVER" on them under the date though one is Cu-Ni-Zn and another is a Brass Proof. The 1989 one is 99.9% silver (not 92.5%) and is smaller in diameter but thicker to keep the 1 troy oz weight: