50 Utah Goldback

Description

Fifty Utah Goldback – Libertas (Liberty)

The grand finale of the Utah series is embodied in the majestic Lady Virtue Libertas, representing Liberty. She is portrayed as an ethereal, angelic figure, having achieved the zenith of blessings through the rightful exercise of freedom in life. This design brims with symbolism: her right hand brandishes a torch, illuminating the path of enlightenment, while her left cradles a brimming cup, symbolizing the sacrificial blood of Christ and its deep ties to divine freedom.

Beside her lie a sheathed sword and a shield, a testament to the perpetual vigilance needed to safeguard freedom and the initial struggle to achieve it. The shield carries the emblematic year 1847, marking the settlement of the Utah territory, with the word “Deseret”—the territory’s original name—etched upon it. This term resonates with the imagery of a honey bee, hinting at the tireless labor essential to maintain Liberty, much like it’s illustrated on the Utah flag.

Libertas is harmoniously positioned between a mountain lion and a lamb, drawing from Isaiah 11:6’s biblical portrayal of peace through liberty, where the lion coexists with the lamb. The backdrop showcases the majestic Rocky Mountains, complemented by Utah’s signature blue spruce trees and the delicate sego lily.

The serene Bear Lake, often dubbed the “Caribbean of the Rockies,” is gracefully painted in the distance. Above her, a rising sun casts its radiant glow, symbolizing both enlightenment and divine grace, suggesting that these are stepping stones to achieving perfection. At the base of this picturesque scene, a profound message urges viewers to “Stand Fast in Liberty.”