$228.95
25 South Dakota Goldbacks – Laurea (Honor)
Laurea honors the virtue of fidelity through the Lakota legend of Minnecotah, a young woman who remained true to her beloved despite great trials. Her story, along with traditional Lakota symbols, invites us to uphold our commitments and to honor truth, even in hardship.
Each 25 South Dakota Goldback is made with 1/40 troy ounce of .9999 fine gold and comes sealed in a protective plastic sleeve. A UV security feature is embedded on the reverse side for added authenticity. Please note that the year of issue may vary. Goldbacks are not legal tender in the United States.
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25 South Dakota Goldbacks – Laurea (Honor)
The 25 South Dakota Goldback features the first portrayal of Laurea—Latin for Honor—capturing the timeless value of fidelity, virtue, and steadfastness. Her depiction is steeped in local legend, drawing inspiration from the story of Minnecotah, a young woman whose tale is intimately connected with Maiden’s Isle on Lake Kampeska, one of South Dakota’s glacial lakes.
In the legend, Minnecotah was admired by many local men, yet her heart belonged to a distant hunter from Wahpeton. To delay unwanted suitors, she proposed a contest—to wed the man who could cast a stone the farthest into the lake. As the suitors competed over days, she continued the ruse, claiming the waves obscured her judgment. In time, their discarded stones formed a small island.
Upon discovering her ploy, the spurned men exiled Minnecotah to the very island they had created, depriving her of food in a cruel attempt to force a decision. Yet she remained true to her love, honoring their bond rather than yielding to pressure. In the legend, a white pelican brought her nourishment, and eventually, her beloved returned to rescue her. The suitors, unaware of the truth, believed the sun god had sent the pelican to carry her away.
This tale is artfully symbolized in the Goldback’s design. Laurea stands on a stone isle, representing Maiden’s Isle, with a pelican soaring above and raspberries—symbols of sustenance—nestled in the foreground. Her stance is one of dignity and quiet strength, embodying the virtue of Honor even in the face of adversity.
The illustration also weaves in elements from other Lakota legends, including the sacred stories of the flute, the origin of the porcupine’s quills, and the creation of the dreamcatcher, as preserved by the Aktá Lakota Museum & Cultural Center. These cultural symbols serve to reinforce the narrative of loyalty, integrity, and spiritual devotion.
The accompanying inscription, “Honor to the Giver,” reminds the viewer to not only honor personal commitments but also to show reverence to the Creator—even during life’s most challenging trials. Laurea’s presence is a noble invitation to live a life of truth and principled resolve.
Mintage:
2023: 14,024
2024: 16,000
2025: 1,280 (through March)
| Coin Type | Note |
|---|---|
| Commodity Code | CRNCY |
| Denomination | 25 South Dakota Goldback |
| Grade | |
| Collection Name | |
| Material |
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