1 South Dakota Goldback Note 1/1000 oz

1 South Dakota Goldback – Pax (Peace)

The 1 South Dakota Goldback introduces Pax—Latin for Peace—in her first appearance within the Goldback series. Embodied as a Lakota Native American woman adorned in traditional regalia, she is captured mid-performance in a hoop dance, a sacred and expressive art form demonstrated personally to the artist during a research visit to South Dakota. The regalia she wears is self-made, infused with the essence of her name, lineage, tribe, and personal story—a tapestry of cultural heritage and individual passion.

Her presence on this denomination is more than symbolic; it is a representation of harmony with all living things. As the Lakota performer conveyed, true peace comes from treating every person, animal, plant, and element as kin. Her culture, alongside that of the Nakota and Dakota—names which translate to “The Friendly Ones”—inspired the inscription “Alliance of Friends” found toward the bottom of the note. This translation evokes a profound sense of community and mutual respect.

In the background stands the sacred Mato Paha, or Bear Butte, anchoring the design in a revered landmark of spiritual significance. Surrounding Pax are elements drawn from nature and cultural symbolism: animals, the sacred cancega drum paired with the Medicine Wheel, and depictions of the seven sacred elements—land, air, water, rocks, animals, plants, and fire. These components reflect the interconnectedness of all creation and the path to inner and communal peace.

In the lower right corner blooms the Prairie Crocus, also known as the Pasque flower. As the first to blossom in spring, it completes its entire life cycle in just two weeks—a reminder of life’s brevity and the importance of living in harmony with the world and those who came before us. The 1 South Dakota Goldback, through the words beneath Pax’s feet, calls upon all who view it to “Seek Peace.”

Mintage:

2023: 377,981
2024: 576,000
2025: 14,000 (through March)