When you look at the back of an American one dollar bill, you will see the Great Seal. Many people can easily recognize it in a few seconds. The U.S. Seal was first seen in public in 1782. In present times, the original Great Seal is placed inside a mahogany cabinet. It is formally shown at the Department of State Exhibit Hall in Washington, D.C.
There are two sides to the Great Seal. The reverse side and the obverse side.
What do the symbols on the obverse side of the Great Seal mean?
The Eagle
There is a bald eagle found at the center of the Great Seal. The national bird is presented with its wings raised. It was made from the 13 original states or colonies. The country became united after the states decided to sign the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.
The head of the Eagle represents the President or the head of the Executive Department. The nine tail feathers stand for the Judicial Department. Each of the nine tails symbolizes one Justice in the Supreme Court. The left talon of the eagle has an olive branch which stands for peace.
The right talon of the great eagle features 13 arrows which stand for protection. This means that the United States shall keep itself safe from any kind of threat, local or foreign.
Shield
On the chest of the eagle, a shield is featured with 13 alternating red and white stripes. The shield is maintained only by the eagle, which refers to the American people only relying on their own principles and merits. The red and white stripes symbolize the 13 states unified by Congress and the President. These government leaders are represented by the blue color.
Each color has different meanings. The white color generally stands for innocence and purity. The red color stands for heroism and hardiness. The blue color stands for justice and perseverance.
The U.S. Flag also has the same color symbols.
Cloud
Over the eagle’s head is a cloud. The white cloud goes around the blue area which has 13 stars, forming a constellation.
Here are the symbols on the reverse portion of the Great Seal
Pyramid
The reverse side of the seal features a 13-step pyramid.
Eye
At the peak of the pyramid is the Eye of Providence, which is linked to the Latin statement “Annuit Coeptis” on a night sky. The line means that the Eye highly favors the struggles of the people. The Eye is known to see future events clearly.
Scroll
At the base of the pyramid is a scroll with the words “Novus Ordo Seclorum”. The Latin writing means New Order of the Ages. These refer to 1776 which is the start of the new American era.
Over time, some people become very good at identifying the various symbols as well as their respective meanings. The artistic features on both sides of the Great Seal make it highly unique and representative of the different aspects of American culture and history. The Great Seal is known as a national treasure and also points to the revolution that gave the country its independence.
The American Flag colors are taken from the very colors of the Great Seal. The Great Seal and American Flag feature the same color symbols and meanings.