Great Seal > History > Centennial Medal
Great Seal Centennial Medal of 1882
The most accurate version of the Great Seal ever produced by the U.S. Government is this commemorative medal minted in 1882.
The rays of light are "breaking through a cloud" over the eagle's head, as specified in the official written description of the Great Seal.
Also, the stars are in a random pattern. This is correct, because no shape to the constellation of stars is specified. It would be inappropriate to form the stars into a heart, a dollar sign, or whatever.
So technically, the constellations on all the official dies of the Great Seal are incorrect because they form a hexagram, a six-pointed star.
The first realizations made after the Great Seal was adopted
were also accurately based on the written description,
as were President Washington's Indian Peace Medals.