Great Seal of the United States
The Great Seal of the United States is a symbol embodying the authority and sovereignty of the federal government of the United States of America. It serves both as an impression device and as the impression it produces, which is a hallmark of authenticity for official documents. The seal is maintained by the United States Secretary of State.
Design and Symbolism
The Great Seal comprises two sides: the obverse and the reverse.
Obverse
The obverse of the seal showcases the national coat of arms of the United States. Central to this is a heraldic eagle, symbolizing strength and freedom, holding arrows in one talon and an olive branch in the other, representing the nation's commitment to peace and readiness for war. Across its chest, the eagle bears a shield with thirteen stripes, representing the original thirteen colonies. Above the eagle's head hovers a cluster of thirteen stars forming a constellation, illustrating the birth of a new nation, free and united.
Reverse
The reverse side of the seal features a truncated pyramid, symbolic of strength and duration, topped with the Eye of Providence, a symbol often associated with divine guidance. Below the pyramid, the Latin phrase "Novus Ordo Seclorum" translates to "A new order of the ages," signifying the beginning of an American era. This side also bears "Annuit Cœptis," meaning "He [God] has favored our undertakings."
Historical Context
The Great Seal was largely designed by Charles Thomson, then the Secretary of the Continental Congress, in collaboration with William Barton. It was first officially used in 1782, following the end of the American Revolutionary War. The seal has since been a constant presence in the authentication of federal documents.
Usage
The seal's primary function is to authenticate documents issued by the federal government. Among these are United States passports, military commissions, and treaties. Since 1935, both sides of the Great Seal have been depicted on the reverse of the one-dollar bill, reinforcing its place in American iconography.
Elements of the seal, particularly the eagle, are also adapted in various forms, including the seal of the President of the United States, the seal of the Vice President, and numerous governmental and state emblems.
Related Seals
The design and symbolism of the Great Seal have influenced other seals, such as the Great Seal of Illinois and the Great Seal of the Philippines. These seals often mimic the elements of the United States seal while incorporating their unique national symbols.
Notable References
- The Thing: An infamous covert listening device known as "The Thing" or the "Great Seal Bug" was hidden inside a replica of the Great Seal gifted to the United States by the Soviet Union, showcasing the seal’s symbolic importance on the international stage.