The Great Seal

Charles Thomson's “Remarks and Explanation,”

June 20, 1782

The Escutcheon is composed of the chief and pale, the two most honorable ordinaries. The pieces, paly, represent the several states all joined in one solid compact entire, supporting a Chief, which unites the whole and represents Congress. The motto alludes to this Union. The pales in the Arms are kept closely united by the Chief and the Chief depends on that union, and the strength resulting from it for its support, to denote the Confederacy of the United States of America, and the preservation of their union through Congress. The colours of the pales are those used in the flag of the United States of America. White signifies purity and innocence, Red, hardiness & velour, and Blue, the colour of the Chief signifies vigilance, perseverance and justice. The Olive Branch and arrows denote the power of peace and war which is exclusively vested in Congress. The Constellation denotes a new State taking its place and rank among other sovereign powers. The escutcheon is born on the breast of an American Eagle without any other supporters, to denote that the United States of America ought to rely on their own virtue.

Reverse: The Pyramid signifies strength and duration. The eye over it and the motto allude to the many signal interpositions of providence in favour of the American cause. The date underneath is that of the Declaration of Independence, and the words under it signify the beginning of the New American Era, which commences from that date.