The Great Seal of the United States

What is the history of the Great Seal of the United States?

Great seal of the United States of America

The Great Seal of the United States dates back to the beginning of the nation's history. On July 4, 1776, the job of creating a U.S. seal (for 13 states at that time) was given to Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and John Adams. The delegates of the Constitutional Convention wanted an emblem, or symbol, to represent their newly independent country. Six years later in 1782, the Great Seal was approved. This is the obverse, or the main symbol, which is used on the national coat of arms. It is also used on official documents, flags, and money. What does each symbol mean? Click the symbols to learn more.

Eagle	The national bird, which represents freedom and strength
"E Pluribus Unum"	"One from many" (Latin)
Olive Branch and 13 arrows	Power of peace and war
Shield	Americans rely on their own virtues
Red and white stripes	States united together, supporting the blue
Color white	Purity and innocence
Color red	Hardiness and valor
Color blue	Perseverance and justice
Constellation of 13 stars	A new state among other nations

Fragment of us one dollar bill with Great seal, 1 usd banknote macro, united states money closeup

This is the reverse of the Great Seal. You can see this on American money, too. Click on the symbols to learn their meanings.

Pyramid	13 steps with the year America declared independence--1776
Eye	The Eye of Providence with a Latin motto, which means "He favors our undertakings"
Scroll	Latin motto means "New Order of the Ages" since 1776 started the new American era.

The denomination one dollar on the back side, isolated on white background

Can you find the Great Seal of the United States, both the obverse and reverse, on a dollar bill?

Every state has its own seal, too. What does your state seal look like? Some state seals are highlighted in this lesson. If your state seal is not included, research it with an adult. What does it look like and what does it symbolize?