Virtue: Exploratio (Exploration)
Enduring Principle: “Let us not grow weary.” — Galatians 6:9
The Arizona 2 Goldback celebrates the virtue of Exploratio—Exploration—through a vivid tribute to the 1869 Powell Geographic Expedition, one of the most daring explorations in Arizona history. This expedition, led by Major John Wesley Powell, marked the first documented journey through the Grand Canyon by boat, exemplifying courage, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of knowledge in the face of the unknown.
At the heart of the design, a determined young woman embodies the spirit of exploration. Windswept and focused, she rows a sturdy wooden boat through the canyon’s turbulent waters, capturing the grit and perseverance required to navigate the Colorado River. Her craft reflects the historic boats of the Powell Expedition: Emma Dean, Maid of the Canyon, Kitty Clyde’s Sister, and No Name. For nearly three months, Powell and his crew braved uncharted rapids, limited supplies, and constant uncertainty, mapping the Green and Colorado Rivers and producing the first detailed records of one of America’s most iconic natural wonders.
Behind her, Major Powell sits in his boat, his arm carefully pinned—a reminder of the injury he sustained at the Battle of Shiloh during the Civil War. His leadership as a scientist and explorer guided his men through uncharted territory, balancing bravery with meticulous observation.
The Grand Canyon’s natural grandeur surrounds the scene. Two California condors soar above, while a bighorn sheep watches from a cliffside ledge, embodying the strength and resilience of Arizona’s wildlife. Towering, striated cliffs glow in the morning sun, and the rapids at Granite Falls churn with energy, illustrating both the beauty and challenge of the region.
Every element of the Arizona 2 Goldback conveys the spirit of discovery and the courage required to explore the unknown. This Goldback is more than a work of art—it is a celebration of Arizona’s adventurous legacy and the enduring human drive to push beyond boundaries.
