Native American Collection

Owner Comments:

While there are tribes throughout the United States that are well known to anyone who has gone through the American school system, the Abenaki is one that is often overlooked. The Abenaki fiercely resisted attempts to colonize New England and played major roles in several conflicts, including the French and Indian wars. Because of the threats posed to them in New England, many headed north to Canada, where they were given land that remains in their hands in the form of reservations. The obverse of this coin features an aging Abenaki tribesman. While many other coins in the series show men with many feathers in their headdresses, the man on this coin has only two. With his shoulders visible, so too are parts of his traditional clothing.

On the reverse is a bobcat. The wild cat hunts in the woodlands of North America and plays a vital role in the Granite State’s ecosystem. Thanks to the efforts of children at the Well School in Peterborough, it was named the state’s official wildcat. The cat’s ties to those students’ efforts make this coin a particularly good piece for conversation and education, especially for civics teachers.