Great Seal Of The United States Dollar Bill
The Great Seal of the United States is a symbol of the country's sovereignty and represents the authority of the federal government. The seal is used on a variety of official documents, including the United States dollar bill. The seal was first introduced in 1782 and has undergone several changes over the years.
Design
The design of the Great Seal is rich in symbolism. It consists of an eagle with outstretched wings, holding a shield in its talons. The shield has 13 stripes, representing the original 13 colonies, and is topped by a blue bar with 13 stars. The eagle holds an olive branch in one talon, symbolizing peace, and a bundle of arrows in the other, symbolizing war. Above the eagle's head is a banner with the motto "E pluribus unum," which means "Out of many, one."
Origins
The Great Seal was first proposed by the Continental Congress in 1776, but it was not until 1782 that a design was approved. The design was created by Charles Thomson, the Secretary of Congress, and was based on the ideas of a committee that included Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson.
Changes
Over the years, the Great Seal has undergone several changes. In 1841, the eagle's head was turned to face the olive branch, symbolizing a preference for peace. In 1885, the eagle's feathers were standardized, and in 1959, the number of stars on the blue bar was increased from 13 to 50, to represent the 50 states.
Use On The Dollar Bill
The Great Seal is prominently featured on the back of the United States dollar bill. The eagle and shield are surrounded by an elaborate design that includes the words "The United States of America" and "One Dollar." The design of the dollar bill has remained largely unchanged since it was first introduced in 1963.
Conclusion
The Great Seal of the United States is a powerful symbol of the country's sovereignty and represents the authority of the federal government. Its design is rich in symbolism and has undergone several changes over the years. The seal is prominently featured on the back of the United States dollar bill and serves as a reminder of the country's history and values.