2025 Arizona 2 Goldback *ALPHA SERIES* (Exploratio, Exploration)

The Arizona 2Virtue: Exploratio (Exploration)Enduring Principle: “Let us not grow weary.” — Galatians 6:9Set within the immense walls of the Grand Canyon, this scene honors one of the most daring chapters in Arizona’s history: the 1869 Powell Geographic Expedition. Led by Major John Wesley Powell, this was the first documented journey through the canyon by boat. At its heart is the virtue Exploratio (Exploration), representing the noble pursuit of discovery in the face of the unknown.In the foreground, a striking young woman embodies the spirit of exploration itself. Windswept and resolute, she rows a rugged wooden craft through swift waters. Her boat is modeled after the ones used in the expedition: the Emma Dean, Maid of the Canyon, Kitty Clyde’s Sister, and No Name. Among the fury of the Colorado River, these sturdy vessels carried ten men into uncharted waters. For nearly three months, the crew endured dangerous rapids, scarce supplies, and constant uncertainty. They mapped the Green and Colorado Rivers, documenting a landscape that had remained a blank space on U.S. maps. Their expedition produced the first detailed records of the Grand Canyon, opening the eyes of the nation to one of Arizona’s greatest natural wonders.In the background, Major Powell is shown seated in his boat, his right sleeve pinned at the shoulder—a reminder of the arm he lost at the Battle of Shiloh during the Civil War. As a veteran turned scientist, Powell led his men with a vision for advancing knowledge, geography, and natural history.Two California condors wheel high overhead while a bighorn sheep stands watch from a ledge, embodying the rugged resilience of Arizona’s wildlife. The canyon itself towers with striated cliffs glowing in golden morning light, while the rapids at Granite Falls churn with whitewater.This artwork celebrates the enduring spirit of discovery that defines Arizona. The Grand Canyon stands as both a setting and a symbol, forever tied to the Powell Expedition that first revealed its majesty to the world.Etched on the bottom of this note is scripture “Let us not grow weary.” — Galatians 6:9Set within the immense walls of the Grand Canyon, this scene honors the first documented journey through the canyon by boat: the 1869 Powell Geographic Expedition. At its heart is the virtue Exploratio (Exploration).In the foreground, a striking young woman embodies the spirit of exploration itself. Her boat is modeled after the sturdy vessels used in the expedition, which carried ten men into uncharted waters. Their expedition produced the first detailed records of the Grand Canyon.In the background, Major John Wesley Powell, who led the expedition, is shown seated in his boat. Two California condors wheel high overhead while a bighorn sheep stands watch from a ledge. The canyon itself towers with striated cliffs, while the rapids at Granite Falls churn with whitewater.This artwork celebrates the enduring spirit of discovery that defines Arizona. Etched on thebottom of this note is scripture “Let us not grow weary.” — Galatians 6:9Protective Sleeve Included We protect every uncirculated Goldback inside a rigid BWC Deluxe Currency bill holder, which is included with purchase.Your Goldback will be similar to the image shown above. Goldback

serial numbers, however, will vary.Your Alpha Goldback is a first-edition printing of a Goldback note from its initial year of issue, distinguished by subtle differences in coloration and an “a” marking compared to later printings from the same year, making it highly collectible.Our Goldback Experts are available to assist with any questions.Visit our eBay Store to browse our complete selection of vintage and modern Goldbacks.