Great Seal > Symbols > Pyramid The Pyramid on the Reverse Side of the U.S. Seal The pyramid was originally suggested by William Barton, the consultant and artist on the third Great Seal committee in May 1782. For the seal's reverse side, he suggested, "A Pyramid of thirteen Strata, (or Steps)." Barton was undoubtedly influenced by the pyramid on the $50 Continental Currency note designed in 1778 by Francis Hopkinson, the heraldry consultant and artist on the second Great Seal committee (1780). Barton's sketch for the reverse and his inspiration, the $50 bill. For the final design of the reverse side of the Great Seal, Charles Thomson specified a "Pyramid unfinished" and gave only a brief explanation of the symbolism, saying the pyramid signifies "Strength and Duration" – no doubt influenced by the Great Pyramid. In the "zenith" of the pyramid is a radiant Eye of Providence. NOTE: The official description of the Great Seal does not specify the number of layers of stone in the pyramid, but it has been traditionally depicted with thirteen. The Great Seal has a reverse side because when it was adopted in 1782, "pendant seals" were in use, and they had two sides. Walt Whitman muses about America unfinished. Recognize myth and misinformation about the pyramid & eye. Explore GreatSeal.com. Feel the inspiration America's founders experienced. Main sections of the site's 76 pages Examine the other SYMBOLS on the Seal's Two Sides: Dynamic imagery from nature and history. Includes clickable image map. Learn the origin and meaning of the Great Seal's Three MOTTOES: Small phrases with big repercussions. See Preliminary DESIGNS for the Great Seal: Ideas suggested by three committees (1776-1782). Recognize MYTH and Misinformation: Don't let America's emblem become a casualty of lore. See why PEACE is Patriotic: "The power of peace" as a founding principle. Great Seal SIGHTINGS: American symbols in the news, wise and otherwise. Get an overview on the Front Page. Look on the bright side of America. VISIT the Great Seal Gift Shop for T-Shirts and Posters.