50 South Dakota Goldbacks – Libertas (Liberty)
The 50 South Dakota Goldback proudly features Libertas—Latin for Liberty—the capstone Virtue that traditionally crowns each state’s Goldback series. This distinguished portrayal draws inspiration from the Lady Freedom statue in Washington, D.C., blending classical iconography with South Dakota’s own proud heritage.
Libertas stands resolute, her sword unsheathed in her right hand and a shield raised in her left—symbols of readiness, vigilance, and the unyielding protection of liberty. Her shield bears her name along with South Dakota’s radiant sun emblem, and beneath it, the state’s enduring motto: “Under God the People Rule.” Her crested helmet and martial attire are reminiscent of Minerva and Bellona, Roman goddesses of wisdom and war, underscoring the necessity of both intellect and strength in the preservation of freedom.
At her feet rests the skull of an American bison, solemnly painted with the Lakota Sioux Medicine Wheel. This sacred symbol, encircled with feathers and directional lines, honors the Dakota, Lakota, and Nakota peoples and serves as a sign of hope, healing, and ancestral reverence. The bison skull also pays tribute to the historical significance of the animal, which sustained entire communities through every part of its being—a reflection of sacrifice and resourcefulness.
Libertas is further grounded in the landscape of South Dakota. A freesia flower cluster blooms below, symbolizing peace, innocence, and enduring friendship. Behind her, a fisherman casts a line for walleye, the state fish, from the waters and cliffs of Palisades State Park. To her right, the South Dakota State Capitol rises with solemn grace, set against the dramatic spires of the Needles in the Black Hills—a visual merging of civic authority and natural majesty.
Above it all, Mount Rushmore looms proudly, anchoring the design in one of the most iconic representations of American ideals. Its inclusion reflects South Dakota’s role as a steward of national memory, liberty, and aspiration.
Surrounded by these powerful symbols, Libertas extends her timeless call to all who behold her: “Stand Fast in Liberty.”
Mintage:
2023: 10,321
2024: 10,560
2025: 960 (through March)










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