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Overview
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Design Process
 1st Committee
 2nd Committee
 3rd Committee
 Final Design
 Description
 Explanation

Latin Mottoes
 E Pluribus Unum
 Annuit Coeptis
 Novus Ordo Seclorum

Symbols (front)
 Bald Eagle
 Shield
 Olive Branch
 Arrows
 Stars
 Rays of Light
 Cloud

Symbols (back)
 Pyramid
 Eye
 MDCCLXXVI

Great Seals
 Official Dies
 First Engravings
 First Painting
 1792 Medal
 Indian Medals
 1882 Medal
 One-Dollar Bill

Myths
 Eagle Side
 Pyramid Side

Themes
 Unity
 Peace
 Liberty
 Thirteen

Related
 Wild Turkey
 President's Seal
 Sightings
 Resources

Videos
 Liberty Tree Song
 United Seal


Make America
Bright Again

Symbols on the Obverse Side
of the Great Seal of the United States


Text is original 1782 description of the design.
Click a symbol or motto to got to its page.

The front or obverse side of the Great Seal of the United States is composed of seven symbolic elements derived from nature and culture that combine to create a dynamic design whose whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

The iconic imagery is complemented by the Latin motto
E Pluribus Unum: Out of Many, One.


Official 1782 Remarks and Explanation of the symbols


*The obverse side of the Great Seal is America's "coat of arms,"
a heraldic term for the official mark and emblem of a sovereign nation's authority.

Historical content is based on the official history of the Great Seal.
GreatSeal.com is not affiliated with the U.S. Government.
Online since 1998 • Webwright: John D. MacArthur