The 50 South Dakota Goldback Gold Note is the highest denomination in the South Dakota series and a powerful symbol of liberty, heritage, and strength. Containing 1/20th Troy oz of 24-karat gold, this note represents not only a valuable piece of voluntary currency, but also a rich tapestry of state and national symbolism—beautifully captured in ultra-fine detail.

Alpha Goldbacks are the first Goldbacks produced in a new series, marked by a small α (alpha) symbol next to the mintage date. The Florida Alpha Series is a limited first-edition collectible, with only a few manufactured. This rarity, combined with the distinctive Alpha symbol, makes them highly sought after and valuable among collectors and investors.

Key Features:

• Contains 1/20th Troy oz of 24K gold

• 5th official state release in the Goldback series

• Features Libertas (Liberty), the capstone Virtue in every Goldback series

• Reverse side features a mirrored image of the obverse

• Ships individually in a protective currency sleeve

• Not U.S. legal tender; accepted voluntarily by participating vendors

Symbolism & Design:

The obverse of the 50 South Dakota Goldback features Libertas, the Roman goddess of liberty. Shown in a bold and heroic stance, she marches forward with sword raised and shield held high—ready to defend freedom. Her design draws inspiration from the Lady Freedom statue in Washington, D.C., and includes stylistic nods to Minerva and Bellona, the Roman goddesses of wisdom and war.

The shield she carries bears her name, flanked by South Dakota’s state motto: “Under God the People Rule.” Above her, the sun symbol from the state flag radiates light, reinforcing the message of liberty under divine guidance.

At her feet lies the skull of an American bison, painted with the Lakota Sioux Medicine Wheel, representing healing, hope, and unity among the native peoples of South Dakota—the Dakota, Lakota, and Nakota. The skull rests on a bed of freesia flowers, symbols of peace, friendship, and innocence.

Additional elements include:

• Mount Rushmore, a national symbol of freedom and American ideals

• The South Dakota State Capitol and the Needles formations of the Black Hills

• A figure fishing for walleye, the state fish, near the cliffs and waters of Palisades State Park

Together, these images create a profound message, with Libertas urging all to “Stand Fast in Liberty.”

The reverse of each note features a clean mirrored reflection of the obverse, as the delicate layering of gold prohibits a separate design.

Mintage Information:

• 10,321 South Dakota 50 Goldbacks were produced in 2023

Whether you’re a collector, gold investor, or history enthusiast, the 50 South Dakota Goldback offers an inspiring and tangible way to hold gold—backed by powerful symbolism and timeless values.