5 Utah Goldback Gold Note ALPHA, 1/200 ounce

The latest edition of Utah’s Goldback banknotes.

The Utah 5 Goldback is a unique design inspired by the history of the first pioneers who settled in Utah. Its central motif is Devotionis—the embodiment of devotion, faith, and perseverance. The pioneer woman depicted on the note holds a Bible in one hand and a basket full of freshly harvested crops in the other. The juxtaposition of these two symbols reflects the values that played a vital role in the lives of the first settlers—faith, hard work, and a commitment to the growth of the community. In the background, farmland is visible, serving as a reminder of the effort the pioneers had to put into cultivating the challenging terrain and providing food for their families. The basket of crops, meanwhile, symbolizes the fruits of patience and steady work, as well as the bond between humanity and the land and nature. Also worthy of special attention is the tree stump behind the figure. The word “Deseret” is inscribed on it using the Deseret script, created in the 19th century in Utah as an attempt to simplify the spelling of the English language. The design also hides a surprise visible under UV light—when illuminated, the English translation of the word appears.

Another reference to the state’s history is the beehive suspended from the branches of a poplar tree. The bee and the beehive are strongly associated with Utah, symbolizing diligence, cooperation, and perseverance. This motif perfectly complements the message of the entire project. Ultraviolet light also reveals further hidden details—bees circling around Devotionis and a small beehive-shaped necklace. Thanks to these elements, the design gains an additional layer of symbolism, and its story becomes even more intriguing. The Utah 5 Goldback thus combines faith, hard work, community, and respect for the land into a single composition. It is an artistic narrative about the values that helped Utah’s first settlers build their homes and communities and survive in challenging conditions.