2023 South Dakota Alpha Series PMG 70 Goldback Set

Description

One South Dakota Goldback – Pax (Peace)

Making her debut in the Goldback series, Pax, signifying “Peace,” graces the South Dakota 1 Goldback Denomination. This design captures a Lakota Native American woman, adorned in traditional attire, immersed in the art of hoop dancing—a vivid memory for the artist, stemming from an in-person demonstration during her research stint in South Dakota. The essence of this peace-centric virtue was shaped by the words and dance of the Lakota performer that day. \

The performer, who had crafted her own regalia, explained that it was an emblem of her name, lineage, heritage, tales, and personal pursuits. Highlighting the significance of her heritage’s name, she shared that “Lakota,” along with the neighboring “Nakota” and “Dakota,” translates to “The Friendly Ones” in their native tongues. Moved by this revelation, the artist incorporated the broader translation, “Alliance of Friends,” on a banner adorning the 1 Goldback Denomination’s base.

As the hoop dance unfolded, the performer elucidated the profoundness of seeking and forging peace with all entities around, treating them as kin. Emphasizing that genuine peace arises from this bond, transcending creed, ethnicity, age, or other distinctions, she advocated for extending this philosophy to animals, flora, and the natural elements. Reflecting these sentiments, the artwork integrates diverse elements like the revered Bear Butte or “Mato Paha” and various animals symbolizing peace.

The artwork also showcases a traditional cancega drum paired with the Sacred Hoop or Medicine wheel. For the observant eye, seven elemental symbols, as described to the artist—land, air, water, stones, fauna, flora, and fire—are also present. The piece is further embellished with the Prairie Crocus, or Pasque flower, in the bottom right, symbolizing the cyclical dance of life, in harmony with the hoops and cancega’s symbolism.

This flower, marking the onset of spring, mirrors the fleeting nature of our existence on earth, reminiscent of the legacies left behind by preceding generations. The overarching message is that peace is a conscious decision stemming from a harmonious coexistence with our surroundings, as narrated by the Lakota performer. The words “Seek Peace” inscribed at Pax’s feet resonate with this message, beckoning all viewers of the South Dakota 1 Goldback Denomination.

Five South Dakota Goldback – Industria (Industry)

Industria, symbolizing Industry, graces the Goldback Design for the first time. She’s portrayed meandering through farmlands, immersed amidst crops like corn, honey, wheat, sunflowers, pumpkins, and more. Towering silos brimming with grain form her backdrop, one adorned with the patriotic emblem of Old Glory and being filled by an auger.

Clasping her hat and with an arm looped through a corn-laden basket, her sundress flutters in the gentle embrace of a late summer gust. A discerning eye would catch the serene smile on Industria’s face as she tenderly touches the corn leaves, heading towards a cornucopia bursting with harvest. It’s evident; that she relishes the fruits of her labor, a sentiment mirrored in the inscription, “Abound in Good Works.”

The design draws inspiration from the artist’s journey across South Dakota’s plains via Interstate 90, moving westward from Rapid City. The region is steeped in the tales of early settlers and homesteaders who grappled with cultivation challenges. While many faltered, a few resilient ones, embodying the spirit of industry, eventually reaped bountiful yields. Consequently, South Dakota has emerged as a leading U.S. producer of corn, soybeans, and wheat, registering annual agricultural sales exceeding $10 billion in recent times.

The sunflower and honey in the design carry profound symbolism. Sunflowers, with their multifaceted uses ranging from oil and birdseed to medicinal applications, here symbolize the respect hard work garners. They inspire us to stand resiliently, directing our gratitude towards the source of our blessings, much like how sunflowers turn towards the sun. They epitomize prosperity and the seeds for future harvests, urging viewers to gravitate towards light truth, and guide subsequent generations similarly.

Parallelly, honey exemplifies the culmination of persistent endeavors across generations. It resonates with collaboration and the fruits of perseverance, often seen as a tangible manifestation of the American dream. With the honey bee as South Dakota’s state insect and a timeless emblem of perseverance leading to fruition, their pollination plays a pivotal role in food production. Without their tireless efforts, famine would grip the world. This design thus encourages everyone to emulate the diligence of honey bees, striving for future abundance while savoring the rewards of present endeavors.

Ten South Dakota Goldback – Harmonia (Harmony)

Harmonia, symbolizing Harmony, is introduced in the South Dakota 10 Goldback Denomination. Embellished with the mantra “Live in Harmony,” she is portrayed as a contemporary rendition of the Greco-Roman Artemis, the deity of hunting, wilderness, fertility, and maidenhood. Consequently, she is encapsulated by emblematic artifacts of these domains.

Clutching a taut bow with an arrow primed for release, a healing crescent moon ascends behind her, illuminating the obscurities. Surrounding her are vivid depictions of Canada geese, pronghorn antelope, mule deer antler sheds, and ring-necked pheasants, underscoring South Dakota’s reputation as a premier hunting haven in the U.S.

Adorning her is a belt accentuated with diamonds and ornate feathers. These diamonds echo the invaluable contributions of women to society. The feathers, meanwhile, signify two facets. Initially, they epitomize the diverse avian species hunted in South Dakota, including ground birds like quail, turkey, and the emblematic ring-necked pheasant, along with migratory ones like ducks and geese. Delving deeper, these feathers, inspired by Greek traditions, accentuate the sanctity of femininity and the miracle of childbirth, as they rest above her womb.

Incorporating the intricate dance between nature and hunting, Harmonia encapsulates ecological equilibrium. Drawing from Artemis, a symbol of wilderness and the hunting ethos, she underscores the necessity of a harmonious balance between conservation and sustainable hunting for a flourishing ecosystem, a principle South Dakota fervently upholds. The hunting dog beside her, embellished with a laurel collar, embodies synchrony in intent and its realization through guidance and adherence.

Her bow and arrows bear additional significance. A bow epitomizes discipline and dedication, demanding consistent refinement for adeptness. The arrow symbolizes precision, momentum, and clarity of purpose. When synergized, they champion the harmony between rigorous training and determination, culminating in triumphant accomplishments. This victory is artfully symbolized by the laurel wreath encircling Harmonia’s brow.

Twenty-five South Dakota Goldback – Laurea (Honor)

For the South Dakota 25 Goldback Denomination, the last fresh Virtue is Laurea, symbolizing Honor. This depiction draws significant inspiration from the folklore surrounding Maiden’s Isle in Lake Kampeska, one of the state’s glacial lakes. Although numerous myths circulate about these glacial lakes, this particular tale revolves around a young woman named Minnecotah. Deeply in love with an outsider hunter, she was pursued by many local admirers. To fend off their proposals, she challenged them to hurl a stone into the lake, promising her hand to the one whose stone reached the farthest.

To keep them engaged and avoid a hasty decision, Minnecotah claimed the waves obscured her judgment, leading the men to continue their throws and consequently forming an island in the process. But as they discerned her deception, they trapped her on the newly formed isle, deprived of food, hoping to compel her to pick a suitor or perish.

Yet, steadfast in her love and devotion, Minnecotah chose neither. In her solitude, a benevolent white pelican sustained her with fish and berries. Her tale culminates when her beloved hunter reemerges, rescuing her. Her thwarted suitors surmised that the sun god dispatched the pelican to spirit her away.

In homage to this tale, Laurea is depicted standing on a stone isle, emblematic of Maiden’s Isle. Soaring above her is a pelican, while raspberries are nestled in the scene’s forefront. Interwoven in this artwork are elements from various Lakota myths, including the origin of the flute, the porcupine’s quills, and the dream catcher, as narrated by the Aktá Lakota Museum & Cultural Center. With an urging to remain steadfast in one’s commitments and honor their word, the accompanying inscription “Honor to the Giver” beckons viewers to show gratitude even amidst challenges.

Fifty South Dakota Goldback – Libertas (Liberty)

The pinnacle Virtue for U.S. regions, Libertas, graces the 50 Goldback Denomination. Within the South Dakota Design Series, she mirrors the Lady Freedom statue from D.C., imbibing its rich symbolism. Clutching a gleaming sword in her right and a shield in her left, she projects an unwavering resolve to defend her own. The shield showcases her moniker, punctuated by the emblematic sun of South Dakota’s flag, with the proclamation “Under God the People Rule” – South Dakota’s state slogan. Her helmet’s crest and accompanying armaments draw inspiration from the Roman deities, Minerva and Bellona.

Beneath Libertas lies the skull of an American bison, adorned with the Lakota Sioux Medicine Wheel, a symbolic tribute to the native tribes of South Dakota: Dakota, Lakota, and Nakota. The circular shape, coupled with directional lines and feathers, emanates a beacon of hope and restoration. The bison skull also symbolizes how this majestic beast’s life would be sacrificed, its entire essence utilized, nurturing many in return. Nestled amidst these symbols is a cluster of freesia flowers, signifying peace, camaraderie, and purity.

Below, an angler can be seen casting for walleye, the state’s cherished fish, set against Palisades State Park’s cliffside and waters. Over Libertas’ right is the architectural marvel of the South Dakota State Capitol, with the iconic Needles formations from Custer State Park in the backdrop. Above is the majestic Mount Rushmore, a testament to South Dakota’s stewardship of this iconic beacon of American aspiration, freedom, and hope. Encircled by these emblems, Libertas ceaselessly implores us to “Stand Fast in Liberty.”