Seal of Maryland

Seal of Maryland (reverse)

Baltimore arms

Seal of Charles Calvert, 3rd Baron Baltimore Absolute Lord of the Land of Mary and of Avalon

Laws of Maryland at large, with proper indexes Fleuron W007025-3

Coat of arms of Maryland (1876)

US-NBN-MD-state seal detail (type 2) (Series 1882BB reverse) proof

The Great Seal of the State of Maryland is the official government emblem of the U.S. state of Maryland. The seal consists of an obverse and a reverse side, each with its own distinct design.

History

The seal was first adopted in 1648 during the colonial period. The original seal was created by the second Baron Baltimore, Cecil Calvert, and has undergone several modifications over the centuries. The current design was adopted in 1876 and remains in use today.

Design

The seal's obverse side features the Calvert family coat of arms, which includes a quartered shield with alternating black and gold bands and a cross bottony. The shield is supported by a plowman and a fisherman, symbolizing the agricultural and maritime industries of Maryland. Above the shield is a baron's coronet and a full-faced helmet. The motto "Fatti maschii, parole femine" (Manly deeds, womanly words) is inscribed on a ribbon below the shield.

The reverse side of the seal depicts a farmer and a fisherman, representing the state's early economy. The central image is a shield with the Calvert and Crossland arms quartered. The Latin motto "Scuto bonæ voluntatis tuæ coronasti nos" (With favor wilt thou compass us as with a shield) encircles the design.

Usage

The Great Seal of Maryland is used to authenticate official documents and acts of the state government. It is also featured on the flag of Maryland and various state government buildings and publications.

Related Pages

• Flag of Maryland
• Maryland
• Cecil Calvert, 2nd Baron Baltimore
• Calvert family
• Baron Baltimore

See Also

• State seals of the United States
• Symbols of Maryland

Also see

► Healthcare providers in Maryland

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