Coins DIG

A refund of $130 is given by the U.S. Mint to those who possess 2004 United States Mint Lewis and Clark Coin and Pouch Set. This is only in case Shawnee Nation United Remnant Band of Ohio created the pouch.

It turned out that both state and Federal authorities do not consider Shawnee Nation United Remnant Band of Ohio an official Indian tribe. This is why the pouch is not considered to be a genuine product of American Indian arts and crafts.

It is worth mentioning that the name of different artisans, as well as their tribes who made pouches for the U.S. Mint can be found in the Certificates of Authenticity (COA) that go together with the pouch sets. Thus, persons can determine whether Shawnee Nation United Remnant Band of Ohio crafted their pouches by referring to the Certificates of Authenticity.

In the period between September 7, 2004, and December 31, 2004 the U.S. Mint put up for sale 2004 United States Mint Lewis and Clark Coin and Pouch Sets in a limited number. Each set included two items: a proof Lewis and Clark Expedition Bicentennial Silver Dollar, an American Indian Pouch crafted by hand, as well as COA, which was signed by the American Indian artisan, the one who crafted it stating his tribe and the place it is situated.

In order to craft each pouch The United States Mint looked forward to identify artisans working with the Circle of Tribal Advisors. In such a way the Mint was able to craft each unique pouch. The production of pouches was chosen to begin when Shawnee Nation United Remnant Band of Ohio was one of the members of COTA. Later in 2005 the Shawnee Nation United Remnant Band of Ohio has chosen to drop its membership in COTA.

The United States Mint learned from The Indian Arts and Crafts Board (IACB), which is an agency of the U.S. Department of Interior that the Shawnee Nation United Remnant Band of Ohio is not in power to produce and issue genuine "Indian" products under the truth-in-advertising law Indian Arts and Crafts Act.

"The Indian Arts and Crafts Board applauds the prompt action taken by the United States Mint to protect consumers after we learned that certain pouches sold with coin sets were not authentic Indian products under the Indian Arts and Crafts Act," mentioned the Director of IACB Meridith Stanton.

"Through this collaboration and other coordinated activities with federal, state, and local authorities, the IACB is continuing to pursue investigations of the sale of fraudulent Indian arts and crafts across the country. Our goal is to rid the market of fraudulent Indian products while supporting the sale of authentic Indian arts and crafts. Authentic Indian arts and crafts are original American treasures and integral components of Indian economic livelihood and cultural heritage," he added.

Persons who will return the sets to the United States Mint will be paid $130.00 for each set. In addition they will get plus $10.00 for each set to settle up shipping, handling, as well as insurance charges.

Sets possessors who would like to maintain the Lewis and Clark Expedition Bicentennial Silver Dollar may consider returning the pouch, together with the COA from the Shawnee Nation United Remnant Band of Ohio. A refund of $90.00 will be offered, plus $10.00.