Published: June 19, 2020
Featured Content
Officially adopted by Congress on June 20, 1782
The Great Seal symbolizes independence and self-government and appears on official documents such as proclamations, treaties and communications from the President to heads of foreign governments. You will also find it on U.S. passports and the U.S. one dollar bill. Through an Act of Congress on September 15, 1789, entitled
The Records Act or “An Act to provide for the safe keeping of the Acts, Records, and Seal of the United States, and for other purposes,” the Department of State acquired possession of the Great Seal, and use of the Great Seal is governed by 18 U.S.C. 713. Although the Department of State is the custodian of the Great Seal, it is the Department of Justice that determines whether any particular use violates the Statute.
Brief History
As soon as the Declaration of Independence was adopted in 1776, the Continental Congress created a committee comprised on some of the nation’s visionary Founders to design of a seal for the United States. Over the next six years, three different committees submitted ideas but none were accepted until Congress tasked their Secretary Charles Thomson to come up with a design on June 13, 1782. Thomson created a design, and a week later on June 20th presented it to Congress and it was approved that same day.
The original form of the Great Seal adopted in 1782 was a written description of the two-sided design using technical language to describe the imagery. No artwork was submitted to nor adopted by Congress. This description called a “blazon” was the starting point for creating a die or illustration.
Combining elements from previous designs, Thomson along with William Barton an expert heraldist, were primarily responsible for creating the design of the Great Seal, Barton for creating the face and Thomson the reverse side.
Read more about the symbolism of the Great Seal on the
National Archive’s website.
The first die was cut from brass in 1782 and there have been several presses used from 1782 to 1904. The press used today was made in 1903 and the die in 1904.
The Great Seal which has had many homes, was placed in its permanent residence in March of 1961 in the Exhibit Hall of the Department of State. Read a more detailed history of the Great Seal and its journey on the Department of State’s website and download the document “The Great Seal of the United States.”
Sources for this article except where otherwise noted are National Archives,
Department of State, and
Department of Defense
About Featured Content Articles – This series of articles aims to highlight content available in GovInfo related to various national observances, commemorations, anniversaries and more. See more featured content articles.
FAQs
Where is the Great Seal of the United States located?
This first die was used until 1841, and is now on display in the National Archives in Washington, D.C. There was no die made of the reverse side of the seal (and in fact, one has never been made).
Can anyone use the Great Seal of the United States?
U.S. State Department seals, the U.S. Great Seal, logos, and other official insignia may not be used or reproduced without written permission. Use of the Great Seal of the United States is governed by Public Law 91-651, Title 18 of the United States Code.
Which number has a great significance on the Great Seal of the USA?
Thirteen is an important number used in the Great Seal. It represents the original colonies and first 13 states: Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, and Virginia.
How many stars are on the Great Seal of the United States?
thirteen stars
What do the 13 stars on the Great Seal mean?
The Great Seal of the United States is the symbol of our sovereignty as a nation. Its obverse is used on official documents to authenticate the signature of the President and it appears on proclamations, warrants, treaties, and commissions of high officials of the government
What do the 13 stars on the Great Seal mean?
The constellation of stars symbolizes a new nation taking its place among other sovereign states. The motto ?E Pluribus Unum? emblazoned across the scroll and clenched in the eagle’s beak expresses the union of the 13 States.
What do the 13 stars over the eagle stand for?
The shield has thirteen red and white stripes, representing the thirteen original colonies. The shield is unsupported, symbolizing that America stands on its own for virtue and justice. A blue stripe at the top of the shield stands for Congress. The eagle holds an olive branch, symbolizing peace, in one talon.
What do the 13 stars over the eagle stand for?
The Presidential seal pictures an American bald eagle holding a ribbon in its beak; the ribbon has the motto of the USA, “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” meaning “Out of many, one.” The eagle is clutching an olive branch (with 13 olives and 13 leaves) in one foot (symbolizing peace) and 13 arrows in the other (the 13 stands for the …
What do the 13 leaves represent?
The design used the eagle that holds a scroll in its beak with the E Pluribus Unum motto; in one claw is an olive branch, a symbol of peace, and the other claw holds thirteen arrows, a symbol of war. The seal’s reverse side contains a thirteen-step pyramid with the year 1776 in Roman numerals at the base.
Great Seal of the United States – Wikipedia
Great Seal of the United States Obverse (with eagle) and reverse of the Great Seal. The Great Seal is a principal national symbol of the United States. 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 obverse of the Great Seal depicts the national coat of arms of the United States.[1] and the reverse features an unfinished pyramid topped by an Eye of Providence. The year of the U.S. Declaration of Independence, 1776, is noted in Roman numerals on at the base of the pyramid. The seal contains three Latin phrases: E Pluribus Unum (“Out of many, one”), Annuit cœptis (“(Providence) has favored our undertakings”), and Novus ordo seclorum (“New order of the ages”). Largely designed by Charles Thomson, secretary of the Continental Congress, and William Barton, and first used in 1782, the seal is used to authenticate certain documents issued by the federal government of the United States. Since 1935, both sides of the Great Seal have appeared on the reverse of the one-dollar bill. The coat of arms is used on official documents—including United States passports—military insignia, embassy placards, and various flags. The Seal of the President of the United States is directly based on the Great Seal, and its elements are used in numerous government agency and state seals. Today’s official versions from the Department of State are largely unchanged from the 1885 designs. The current rendering of the reverse was made by Teagle & Little of Norfolk, Virginia, in 1972. It is nearly identical to previous versions, which in turn were based on Lossing’s 1856 version.[2][3] Obverse[edit] Coat of arms of the United StatesVersionsAchievementMonochrome (hatched) reproductionMonochrome (hatched) reproduction of the achievementArmigerUnited States of AmericaAdopted1782CrestA glory Or, breaking through a cloud proper, surrounding an azure field bearing a constellation of thirteen stars argentBlazonPaleways of 13 pieces, argent and gules; a chief, azureSupporterA bald eagle proper displayed, bearing in its dexter talon an olive branch, in its sinister talon thirteen arrows, and in its beak a scroll bearing the mottoMottoE pluribus unum(Latin for ‘Out of many, one’)UseOn treaties, commissions, letterheads, license plates, embassies, agency seals and passports The obverse (or front) of the seal displays the full achievement of the national coat of arms. Blazon[edit] The 1782 resolution of Congress adopting the arms, still in force, legally blazoned the shield as: Paleways of 13 pieces, argent and gules; a chief, azure. As the designers recognized,[citation needed] this is a technically incorrect blazon under traditional English heraldic rules, since in English practice a vertically striped shield would be described as “paly”, not “paleways”, and it would not have had an odd number of stripes. A more technically proper blazon would have been argent, six pallets gules … (six red stripes on a white field), but the phrase used was chosen to preserve the reference to the 13 original states.[4] The escutcheon (shield) bears resemblance to the United States flag, with two exceptions in particular: The blue chief contains no stars (although certain derivative arms do, e.g….
Great Seal of the United States | Facts, History, & Symbolism
Great Seal of the United States | Facts, History, & Symbolism Entertainment & Pop Culture Geography & Travel Health & Medicine Lifestyles & Social Issues Literature Philosophy & Religion Politics, Law & Government Science Sports & Recreation Technology Visual Arts World History On This Day in History Quizzes Podcasts Dictionary Biographies Summaries Top Questions Week In Review Infographics Demystified Lists #WTFact Companions Image Galleries Spotlight The Forum One Good Fact Entertainment & Pop Culture Geography & Travel Health & Medicine Lifestyles & Social Issues Literature Philosophy & Religion Politics, Law & Government Science Sports & Recreation Technology Visual Arts World History Britannica ClassicsCheck out these retro videos from Encyclopedia Britannica’s archives. Demystified VideosIn Demystified, Britannica has all the answers to your burning questions. #WTFact VideosIn #WTFact Britannica shares some of the most bizarre facts we can find. This Time in HistoryIn these videos, find out what happened this month (or any month!) in history. Britannica ExplainsIn these videos, Britannica explains a variety of topics and answers frequently asked questions. Buying GuideExpert buying advice. From tech to household and wellness products. Student PortalBritannica is the ultimate student resource for key school subjects like history, government, literature, and more. COVID-19 PortalWhile this global health crisis continues to evolve, it can be useful to look to past pandemics to better understand how to respond today. 100 WomenBritannica celebrates the centennial of the Nineteenth Amendment, highlighting suffragists and history-making politicians. Britannica BeyondWe’ve created a new place where questions are at the center of learning. Go ahead. Ask. We won’t mind. Saving EarthBritannica Presents Earth’s To-Do List for the 21st Century. Learn about the major environmental problems facing our planet and what can be done about them! SpaceNext50Britannica presents SpaceNext50, From the race to the Moon to space stewardship, we explore a wide range of subjects that feed our curiosity about space!
Great Seal of the United States – State Symbols USA
Great Seal of the United States Great Seal of the United States The Secretary of State is the official custodian of the great seal of the United States. It is only attached (affixed) to certain documents, such as foreign treaties and presidential proclamations. The Great Seal is kept in a mahogany cabinet and displayed in the Exhibit Hall of the Department of State in Washington, D.C. All State Seals The United States seal has a rich history beginning with our founding fathers in 1776 when the first Continental Congress resolved that Dr. Franklin, Mr. Jefferson, and J. Adams “bring in a device for a seal for the United States of America.” Both sides of the Great Seal can be seen on the back of a U.S. one-dollar bill. On July 4, 1776, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson were given the task of creating a seal for the 13 United States of America. The delegates of the Constitutional Convention believed an emblem and national coat of arms would be evidence of an independent nation and a free people with high aspirations and grand hopes for the future. The Great Seal was finalized and approved six years later on June 20, 1782. The symbols on the seal reflect the beliefs and values that the Founding Fathers wanted to pass on to their descendants. Symbols on Obverse of The Great Seal Eagle: In the center of the seal is a bald eagle (our national bird). The eagle holds a scroll in its beak inscribed with our original national motto: “E Pluribus Unum,” which is Latin for “one from many” or “one from many parts” (one nation created from 13 colonies). The eagle grasps an olive branch in its right talon and a bundle of thirteen arrows in its left. The olive branch and arrows are symbols for the power of peace and war. Shield: A shield with thirteen red and white stripes covers the eagle’s breast. The shield is supported solely by the American eagle as a symbol that Americans rely on their own virtue. The red and white stripes of the shield represent the states united under and supporting the blue, which represents the President and Congress. The color white is a symbol of purity and innocence; red represents hardiness and valor; and blue signifies vigilance, perseverance, and justice. Cloud: Above the eagle’s head is a cloud surrounding a blue field containing thirteen stars which form a constellation. The constellation denotes that a new State is taking its place among other nations. Symbols on Reverse of The Great Seal Pyramid: The seal’s reverse side contains a 13-step pyramid with the year 1776 in Roman numerals at the base (the year independence was declared). Eye: At the top of the pyramid is the Eye of Providence with the Latin motto “Annuit Coeptis” in the sky above – meaning “It [the Eye of Providence] is favorable to our undertakings” or “He favors our undertakings.” Scroll: Below the pyramid, a scroll reads “Novus Ordo Seclorum” – Latin for “New Order of the Ages.” which refers to 1776 as the beginning of the American new era.
The Great Seal of the United States | GovInfo
The Great Seal of the United States Published: June 19, 2020 Featured Content Officially adopted by Congress on June 20, 1782 The Great Seal symbolizes independence and self-government and appears on official documents such as proclamations, treaties and communications from the President to heads of foreign governments. You will also find it on U.S. passports and the U.S. one dollar bill. Through an Act of Congress on September 15, 1789, entitled The Records Act or “An Act to provide for the safe keeping of the Acts, Records, and Seal of the United States, and for other purposes,” the Department of State acquired possession of the Great Seal, and use of the Great Seal is governed by 18 U.S.C. 713. Although the Department of State is the custodian of the Great Seal, it is the Department of Justice that determines whether any particular use violates the Statute. Brief History As soon as the Declaration of Independence was adopted in 1776, the Continental Congress created a committee comprised on some of the nation’s visionary Founders to design of a seal for the United States. Over the next six years, three different committees submitted ideas but none were accepted until Congress tasked their Secretary Charles Thomson to come up with a design on June 13, 1782. Thomson created a design, and a week later on June 20th presented it to Congress and it was approved that same day. The original form of the Great Seal adopted in 1782 was a written description of the two-sided design using technical language to describe the imagery. No artwork was submitted to nor adopted by Congress. This description called a “blazon” was the starting point for creating a die or illustration. Combining elements from previous designs, Thomson along with William Barton an expert heraldist, were primarily responsible for creating the design of the Great Seal, Barton for creating the face and Thomson the reverse side. Read more about the symbolism of the Great Seal on the National Archive’s website. The first die was cut from brass in 1782 and there have been several presses used from 1782 to 1904. The press used today was made in 1903 and the die in 1904. The Great Seal which has had many homes, was placed in its permanent residence in March of 1961 in the Exhibit Hall of the Department of State. Read a more detailed history of the Great Seal and its journey on the Department of State’s website and download the document “The Great Seal of the United States.” Sources for this article except where otherwise noted are National Archives, Department of State, and Department of Defense About Featured Content Articles – This series of articles aims to highlight content available in GovInfo related to various national observances, commemorations, anniversaries and more. See more featured content articles.
History of the Great Seal of the United States – TheCollector
History of the Great Seal of the United StatesObverse (left) and reverse (right) side of the Great Seal of the United States, adopted in 1782, Wikipedia Many symbols have been used to represent the United States of America over the course of its nearly 250 year long history. None, however, have enjoyed the level of use and popularity equal to that of the Great Seal of the United States. Though rarely depicted in its entirety, the Great Seal of the United States has become so ubiquitous in that country, that few recognize it or are aware of its name. Yet it is nearly as old as the nation it symbolically represents, dating back to the time that country declared its independence. Origins of the Great Seal of the United States First design for the Great Seal of the United States by Pierre Eugene du Simitiere after First Committee Specifications, 1776, Library of Congress The Great Seal of the United States can trace its history back to July 4, 1776 when the Continental Congress placed Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson in charge of designing an emblem or national coat of arms for their new nation. What they were tasked with designing was what is today known as the Great Seal of the United States. Great Seals originated in the Middle Ages and were used to conduct official state business, as opposed to privy seals which were used for the sovereign’s private business. While the United States has a Great Seal, it does not have any officially recognized “lesser” seals. In a monarchy the Great Seal usually changes to reflect the coat of arms of each successive monarch. The Great Seal of a Republic however, usually remains the same as its coat of arms represents the nation. Since they were attached to all official documents they had two sides; the obverse and the reverse sides. Although Franklin, Adams, and Jefferson contributed a number of elements found in the Great Seal of the United States their design was tabled for lack of support. The next attempt at a design in 1777 was also rejected as was that of the third committee given this task in May of 1782. Ultimately the Continental Congress assigned the task of designing the Great Seal to Charles Thomson on June 13 1782. Thomson, the Secretary of Congress, looked over the previous designs and selected the elements which he felt were the most appropriate. The Great Seal of the United Sates is Born Charles Thomson’s first design for the Great Seal (obverse), Charles Thomson, 1782, National Archives Museum Charles Thomson created a design which incorporated what he believed to be the best elements of the previous designs. From the first committee of Franklin, Adams, and Jefferson he took four elements: the eye of providence, the date of independence (MDCCLXXVI), the shield, and the Latin motto E Pluribus Unum or “Out of Many One.” The second committee of James Lovell, John Morin Scott, William Churchill Houston, and Francis Hopkinson provided three elements: the 13 red and white stripes, the 13 star constellation, and the olive branch. Finally the third committee of John Rutledge, Arthur Middleton, Elias Boudinot, and William Barton provided two elements: the eagle and the unfinished pyramid with 13 steps which they combined with the eye of providence. Are you enjoying this article? Sign up to our Free Weekly Newsletter Charles Thomson replaced Barton’s eagle with the native Bald Eagle, feeling that it needed to be something strictly American. He also changed the eagle’s wings to point down as if in flight and placed a bundle of arrows in its left talon and an olive branch in its right talon. Next he affixed a shield to the eagle’s breast with alternating chevrons of red and white. The eagle clenched a scroll in it beak which carried the motto and had a constellation of 13 stars placed over its head. On the reverse side Thomson retained the eye and pyramid but added the Latin mottoes Annuit Coeptis (He [God] has favored or undertaking) and Novus Ordo Seclorum (A…
The Meaning of the Great Seal of The United States
The Meaning of the Great Seal of The United States – The Founding Blog The Meaning of the Great Seal of the United States The Great Seal of the United States is the official emblem and heraldic device of the United States of America. It was adopted by the Continental Congress in 1782 to represent the nation and to demonstrate to other nations of the world the ideas and values of its Founders and people. Great Seals have their origins in the royal seals of the 7th, 8th, and 9th centuries. The Great Seal of the United States guarantees the authenticity of official U. S. documents. It is used 2,000-3,000 times per year to seal documents. Such documents include treaties, presidential proclamations, appointments of government officials, and presidential communications to heads of foreign nations. The seal is also printed on the U. S. $1 bill, providing U. S. citizens with a ready reference to the nation’s foundational ideas. The custody of the Great Seal is assigned to the U. S. Department of State. The seal can be affixed by an officer of the Secretary of State. The Great Seal was adopted by the Continental Congress on June 20, 1782. It was first used officially on September 16, 1782, to guarantee the authenticity of a document that granted full power to General George Washington “to negotiate and sign with the British an agreement for the exchange, subsistence, and better treatment of prisoners of war.” Thomas Jefferson was the first Secretary of State to have custody of the Great Seal. The Great Seal has two sides and displays a number of important symbols. The front (obverse) side of the seal displays the coat of arms of the United States. The coat of arms is officially used for coins, postage stamps, stationary, publications, flags, military uniforms, public monuments, public buildings, embassies and consulates, passports, and items owned by the U. S. government. Do you know the meaning behind The Great Seal? This Great Seal file breaks it down for you. “Symbolically, the Seal reflects the beliefs and values that the Founding Fathers attached to the new nation and wished to pass on to their descendants.” – U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Public Affairs Check out Elementary School lesson plans for The Great Seal in America’s Heritage: An Adventure in Liberty. This unit is available to download from the Member Resources at www.americanheritage.org. Copyright © American Heritage Education Foundation. All rights reserved. Published by: The Founding