50 Oklahoma Goldback

On the Oklahoma 50 Goldback, we honor the virtue Vigilantia, or Vigilance. She is the embodiment of unwavering courage in the face of nature’s fiercest storms. Set against the dramatic skies of Tornado Alley, Vigilantia kneels in the tall grass, steady and composed. Wind whips through the plains, lightning forks overhead, and a powerful tornado spirals across the horizon. Yet, she holds her ground, capturing the awe-inspiring storm through the lens of her camera. 

Vigilantia does not fight the storm; she learns from it. Her gaze is focused, her posture calm. She mirrors the resolve of those who choose to observe, understand, and prepare, rather than fear. She embodies the spirit of Oklahoma: a state that doesn’t just endure its storms, but leads the world in understanding them.

This artwork pays tribute to Oklahoma’s world-renowned role in advancing the science of severe weather. It was here—on these very plains—that the VORTEX missions (Verification of the Origins of Rotation in Tornadoes Experiment) were launched. Led by NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) and a team of Oklahoma-based scientists, engineers, and universities, these groundbreaking missions changed the course of meteorology. By tracking storms in real time and studying tornadic formation up close, VORTEX helped unlock the secrets of tornado behavior. They led to earlier warnings, improved forecasts, and countless lives saved.

Behind Vigilantia are tools used in modern storm science: a Doppler on Wheels (DOW) unit, a mobile mesonet vehicle, and a weather balloon. All of these technologies are used in Oklahoma by some of the most respected weather teams in the world. They represent the daily vigilance and innovation that Oklahomans bring to one of nature’s greatest challenges. In the foreground, her equipment case bears the name “Vigilantia,” a quiet yet firm declaration of the virtue she represents. 

Each year, Oklahoma experiences an average of more than 60 tornadoes, including some of the most powerful and destructive on Earth. Yet in the wake of each storm, the true character of its people shines brightest. Communities rally. Neighbors become first responders. Families, churches, and schools unite to rebuild, often within hours of devastation. Here, vigilance is forged through experience, and hardship strengthens the bonds between people. To be Oklahoman is to face the storm together, to stand ready not only for oneself, but for those beside you.

Inscribed at the bottom is a verse that speaks directly to the heart of this mission: “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith, be courageous, be strong.” — 1 Corinthians 16:13