Name: 100 Oklahoma Goldback
SKU: 748
Availability: InStock

The 100 Oklahoma Goldback Note Artwork

Libertas (Liberty)

The Oklahoma 100 Goldback stands as a tribute to one of the most storied military units in U.S. history: the 45th Infantry Division, known proudly as the “Thunderbird Division.” In 1923, the 45th was forged from the Oklahoma National Guard, including an extraordinary number of Native American service members from the Five Civilized Tribes. Their most defining mission came on April 29, 1945, when they helped liberate Dachau Concentration Camp.

At the center of this composition stands Libertas, the Roman goddess of freedom and a powerful American symbol. Her gown of stars and stripes is directly inspired by the Liberty figure on the Oklahoma State Seal. Her form also echoes the Walking Liberty Half Dollar, a coin that circulated during World War II.

Libertas holds a shield bearing the Great Seal of the State of Oklahoma. It includes the seals of the Five Civilized Tribes, symbolizing the unity between Native nations and the state they helped build.

Her belt displays the Osage warrior shield, peace pipe, and olive branch from the state flag to represent defense and diplomacy. A broken shackle lies near her ankle, a solemn reminder of those freed at Dachau. Upon her chest, the Star of David necklace glints in quiet tribute to the Jewish lives that the 45th helped save.

Behind her, the war unfolds. Sherman tanks and Willys MB jeeps move across the field. Fighter planes streak through storm-lit skies as a bald eagle, sacred in Native tradition, soars above. Behind the eagle, a bolt of lightning crackles, conjuring the ancient spirit of the Thunderbird, a force of divine justice.

In the foreground, infantrymen press forward, their helmets marked with the Thunderbird insignia. One soldier’s pack carries a flowing banner with a single word: “Libertas.” Inscribed into the base of the scene are the words: “Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty.”

For the 100 Oklahoma Goldback note mintage information, please see the Goldback Mintages page.