South Dakota Goldback Designs: Tales of Honor and Commitment
In the realm of precious metals, where currency transforms into a canvas for artistry and storytelling, the South Dakota Goldback Designs emerge as true gems. This series marks a significant milestone as the fifth region of Goldback Designs released since the inception of Goldback Inc. in 2019. It boasts not only breathtaking aesthetics but also a rich tapestry of symbolism that captivates the senses and the soul.
Five years ago, when Goldback Inc. was founded, the founders could scarcely imagine the journey that lay ahead. Perhaps, they thought, there might be two or three additional designs in the future. Today, they stand both proud and humbled by the fact that they've been able to provide five sets of designs in as many years, each dedicated to deserving locations. It's a testament to the enduring fascination with gold that can be spent, a currency that transcends its monetary value.
Annette Anthony, whose creative brilliance illuminated a previous series, returns to illustrate this one, guiding the artistic direction with her unique vision. As we delve into this series, we unveil the final new Virtue for the South Dakota 25 Goldback Denomination: Laurea, or Honor.
Laurea's illustration draws inspiration from the legends surrounding Maiden's Isle on Lake Kampeska, one of South Dakota's picturesque glacial lakes. Among the many tales that grace these waters, one stands out—a legend of love, honor, and commitment.
In this legend, a young woman named Minnecotah was deeply in love with a hunter from Wahpeton. Despite the advances of local men who desired her hand in marriage, she remained steadfast, waiting for her true love. To delay the suitors, she devised a clever contest: she would marry the man who could throw a stone the farthest into the lake.
Days passed as the men cast stones into the water, with Minnecotah skillfully prolonging the contest by claiming that the waves obscured her judgment. This ruse worked for a time, and an island began to form in the lake. But when her suitors realized the truth, they resorted to drastic measures. They kidnapped Minnecotah and left her stranded on the island they had created, depriving her of food in an attempt to force her to choose one of them or face starvation.
In an act of unwavering honor and commitment, Minnecotah chose neither suitor, remaining true to her love. On the island, she was sustained by a white pelican, which brought her fish and berries to help her survive. Eventually, her beloved hunter returned to rescue her, and they began their life together. When the suitors discovered her absence, they believed that the sun god had sent the white pelican to whisk her away.
In the illustration of Laurea, she stands on a stone island in the lake, representing Maiden's Isle from Lake Kampeska. A white pelican soars gracefully above her, symbolizing the enduring connection between love and nature. Raspberries adorn the foreground, a testament to the sustenance that kept Minnecotah alive during her time on the island.
The illustration is enriched with elements from Lakota legends, including the story of the flute, the origin of the porcupine's quills, and the legend of the dream catcher, as shared by the Aktá Lakota Museum & Cultural Center. These legends infuse the artwork with a deeper cultural resonance.
Laurea's message transcends time and culture. She encourages the viewer not only to honor their commitments and keep their word but also to offer praise to the Creator, even in the face of trials and tribulations. This message is beautifully encapsulated in the accompanying inscription: "Honor to the Giver."
The South Dakota 25 Goldback Denomination is not merely a piece of currency; it is a work of art that weaves together the threads of love, honor, and the enduring power of commitment. It is a testament to the human spirit's capacity to persevere and remain steadfast in the face of challenges, a story that resonates through the ages.
