Great Seal of the United States

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GreatSealPress

Great Seal of the United States
200px
Versions
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Armiger	United States
Adopted	1782
Motto	E Pluribus Unum, Annuit cœptis, Novus ordo seclorum

The Great Seal of the United States is used to authenticate certain documents issued by the United States federal government. The phrase is used both for the physical seal itself (which is kept by the United States Secretary of State) and more generally for the design impressed upon it. The Great Seal was first used publicly in 1782.

Design

The obverse of the Great Seal depicts a bald eagle holding a bundle of thirteen arrows in its left talon and an olive branch in its right talon. The eagle has its head turned towards the olive branch, symbolizing a preference for peace. In its beak, the eagle clutches a scroll with the motto "E Pluribus Unum" (Latin for "Out of many, one"). Above the eagle, there is a cluster of thirteen stars surrounded by a glory, or burst of light.

The reverse of the Great Seal features an unfinished pyramid with thirteen steps, representing the original thirteen states. Above the pyramid is the Eye of Providence within a triangle. Above the eye is the motto "Annuit cœptis" (Latin for "He approves [our] undertakings"), and below the pyramid is a scroll with the motto "Novus ordo seclorum" (Latin for "New order of the ages").

History

The design of the Great Seal was finalized and approved by the Continental Congress on June 20, 1782. The design process involved three committees and took six years to complete. The final design was largely the work of Charles Thomson, the Secretary of the Continental Congress, and William Barton, a heraldist.

Usage

The Great Seal is used to authenticate documents such as treaties and commissions. The seal is affixed to the document by the United States Department of State. The design of the Great Seal is also used on the one-dollar bill and other official government documents.

Symbolism

The elements of the Great Seal are rich in symbolism. The bald eagle represents strength and freedom. The olive branch and arrows denote the power of peace and war, respectively. The thirteen stars, stripes, and steps on the pyramid allude to the original thirteen states. The Eye of Providence and the mottos reflect the belief in divine guidance and the new American nation.

Related Pages

• Seal of the President of the United States
• Flag of the United States
• National symbols of the United States
• United States Department of State
• Continental Congress

See Also

• Bald eagle
• Olive branch
• Eye of Providence
• E Pluribus Unum
• Annuit cœptis
• Novus ordo seclorum