|
Main Pages Design Process
Latin Mottoes
Symbols (front)
Symbols (back)
Great Seals
|
Francis Hopkinson
Hopkinson has also been credited with designing the American flag that Congress adopted on June 14, 1777. Prior to that, he had signed the Declaration of Independence as a delegate from New Jersey. Born on October 2, 1737, in Philadelphia to English immigrants, Hopkinson became the first graduate of the College of Philadelphia in 1757. As a lawyer and public official, he was at various times a member of the Provincial Council of New Jersey, Treasurer of the Continental Loan Office, judge in the Admiralty Court of Pennsylvania, and a member of the Navy Board.
Naturally musical, he performed publicly on the harpsichord and composed both sacred and secular music. A prolific writer, he created poems, essays, songs, and political satire for publication.
Other items Hopkinson designed for Congress from included devices, borders, ornaments, and similar decorations for currency, checks, and bills of exchange, including seals for the Board of Treasury, for the Board of Admiralty, and for ships' papers.
Hopkinson had received nothing for this work. Writing in 1780 to the Continental Admiralty Board, he referred to these designs as "Labours of Fancy," and although he made them free of charge, he asked "whether a Quarter Cask of the public wine" would not be a reasonable and proper reward for his labors.
|
The consultant chosen by the second Great Seal committee was Francis Hopkinson, a well-known Philadelphian with experience in heraldry, who in 1776 had helped design the Great Seal of New Jersey.
Hopkinson's design (left) for the Continental currency $50 bill issued in 1778 undoubtedly led to William Barton's pyramid & eye design for the 
