10 Utah Goldback

Description

Justitia (Justice)
Judge Righteously

Featured on Utah’s 10 Goldback, the virtue of Justice—Justitia—is portrayed amidst the stunning red rock landscapes of southern Utah, including the recognizable Balancing Rock. She appears in a refined dress typical of early Utah settlers, suggesting a period a few years after initial colonization. In keeping with classical iconography, she is blindfolded and holds both a balanced scale and a double-edged sword, emphasizing her commitment to impartiality, fairness, and unwavering judgment. Beneath her, the inscription reads: “Judge Righteously.”

The scales she holds carry a cross, a heart, and an anchor—symbols of faith, hope, and charity—underscoring the idea that true justice includes not only accountability, but also compassion and mercy.

Above, a seagull—the official bird of Utah—soars with a cricket in its beak, alluding to the miraculous event in which flocks of gulls saved pioneer crops by devouring destructive crickets. Behind her, a massive desert storm rolls in, representing another pivotal moment in early Utah history: a long-awaited rainfall following collective prayer and fasting, which ended a devastating drought. These symbols illustrate the dual nature of justice—its capacity for both correction and divine blessing.

At her feet, nestled in the sagebrush, a sage hen watches over a brood of twelve chicks—a tender reminder that justice, when guided by righteousness, also provides refuge and protection. The imagery draws from gospel themes, highlighting mercy as a vital counterpart to justice.