Gold 2 Oklahoma Goldback note, 1/500 oz.

The Oklahoma Goldback, with a denomination of 2, symbolizes the virtue of Benevolentia, or Kindness, which was practiced and passed down from generation to generation by Native women. The painting's setting is set in the fertile river valleys of Tahlequah, the capital of the Cherokee Nation. This work pays tribute to the indigenous matriarchs, whose wisdom, generosity and care for the land are the foundation of tribal life.

At the center of the scene stands a mother from the Cherokee tribe, the main symbol of this virtue. She is dressed in a traditional teardrop dress and beaded headband - powerful emblems of Cherokee identity. The braided basket she holds in her arms is overflowing with gifts of the earth: corn, beans, pumpkins and strawberries. They represent the Three Sisters planting tradition, a method used in many indigenous cultures where plants support each other's growth. Corn provides structure, beans enrich the soil, and pumpkin protects the roots. Strawberries are a sacred symbol of love and reconciliation for the Cherokee. In the distance, a second mother is busy harvesting, carrying a baby in a carrier (papoose) on her back, symbolizing the intergenerational nature of teaching and parenting.

Above the figures stretches a branch of the Eastern Redbud, or Canadian Judas tree - Oklahoma's state tree - with delicate flowering buds. The redbud's vibrant pink and purple flowers, which bloom profusely in early spring, symbolize renewal, beauty and a lasting connection between people and the earth. As a cherished symbol throughout the state, the tree is a quiet tribute to Oklahoma's identity and spirit.

Behind the figures flows the Illinois River, a historic waterway that remains central to the Cherokee people and all residents of eastern Oklahoma. Hollowed-out canoes glide along the river, revealing a deep, indigenous connection to water as a source of life, travel and spirituality. Nearby, the Asi type house, a traditional winter shelter for Southeastern tribes, represents both architectural invention and community life. The domed shape and construction of woven saplings and clay testify to the intimate, enduring relationship between indigenous peoples and the land.

The footprints in the ground discreetly allude to the Trail of Tears, one of the most painful chapters in American history. For modern Oklahoma, the forced relocation of the Cherokee and other Southeastern tribes was an act of great injustice. The land has become a place of endurance and survival, as well as renewal. A rainbow stretches over the stage, symbolizing healing, hope and a better future - a vision carried by those who did not let their culture disappear.

Today, Oklahoma is home to 39 federally recognized tribes, each with its own distinct heritage. They share common values: community, tradition and respect for the land. Although this artwork draws visually from Cherokee symbolism, it was shaped with input from cultural advisors and artists from several Oklahoma tribes, including a registered Choctaw artist who suggested the theme. Every detail was carefully researched and chosen with care to honor the matrilineal traditions of the region. Women were not only caretakers, but also landowners, farmers, educators, warriors and leaders whose voices helped shape tribal governance and daily life.

This Goldback tells Oklahoma's story of perseverance, connection and quiet strength. It reminds audiences around the world that Benevolentia is more than kindness: it is a way of life. It is a mother's hand guiding a child, an elder passing on stories, a farmer planting seeds for the next generation. With this image, Oklahoma proudly honors women who give without expecting anything in return, who teach without judging, and who embody the true spirit of benevolence.