South Dakota Goldback

Surprises in the mail are always nice 😁 and I was most surprised recently when a certain greeting card arrived in my mail box. The 'return address' spot on the envelope sported "Merry Christmas" and nothing else, leaving a big mystery until I walked into the house to open it. What a fun card it was, too — I have enjoyed seeing the delightful Peanuts™ comic strip characters since my childhood!

Inside was a wonderful message of holiday cheer, and it was signed by @silverd510, a stalwart member of the SilverGoldStackers (SGS) community! 💜

Inside the card was a shiny Goldback^® note! 😮

For those who don't know, a Goldback^® is a banknote issued by a local government and is legal tender within their jurisdiction. Each piece of currency is overlaid by actual gold leaf of a specific value. Each one is also a work of art in itself, with imagery relating to the history or culture of the locale. This lends a three-fold value to each: they're legal tender which can be used within the jurisdiction, they have actual gold on them, and they're collectible works-of-art as well!

Currently participating in the program are the states of Utah, Nevada, New Hampshire, Wyoming, and South Dakota in the USA. Each state has its own series of $1, $5, $10, $25, and $50 notes, each with its own unique design. The US state of Florida is coming onboard soon, adding denominations of $0.50 and $100 to the usual offering.

Depicted on this particular Goldback^® which @silverd510 sent me is a woman from the Lakota Nation. She is wearing traditional regalia —clothing and accessories with specific designs/symbols, usually reserved for ceremonies and special occasions — for her culture. She is performing a Hoop Dance, which has special significance for her people. Also depicted are landforms, wildlife, plants, and a beautiful drum. Please take a moment to visit this link to read the fascinating, full story of the woman and the fabulous imagery depicted!

^{image source: goldback.com}

Although I sent a private message thanking @silverd510 for his generosity and kindness in thinking of me, I want to thank him again here! His gift is truly appreciated, and this lovely lady will blend so nicely in my stack of mostly-feminine figures!