Welcome to GreatSeal.com
Rediscover the eloquent symbol designed by the
original American dreamers to convey their
vision to the world – and to the future.

Great Seal Centennial Medal of 1882
Great Seal Centennial Medal of 1882

"America has carried on... because we the people have remained faithful to
the ideals of our forebears, and true to our founding documents."
– President Barack Obama's Inaugural Address

The Great Seal is a cornerstone document in the foundation of America, created in 1782 – midway between the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.

The Great Seal's designers provided a brief explanation of its symbolism,
however the more we know about its design process and meaning
of its symbols and its mottoes, the better we can understand
why this emblem is as important today as ever before.

Get a brief OVERVIEW of the Great Seal of the United States.

Main sections of GreatSeal.com

History:

  • Preliminary DESIGNS
    America's founders set out to create a symbol worthy of their new nation. See the ideas suggested by three committees.

  • The ONE-DOLLAR bill
    How both sides of the Great Seal ended up on the dollar in 1935.

Individual Design Elements:

  • SYMBOLS on the Great Seal
    Each side's dynamic imagery combines symbols from nature and history.

  • Great Seal MOTTOES
    Chosen to convey the idea and ideals of America, these three little phrases have big repercussions.

Issues Relevant Today:

Great Seal Sightings

In its 11th year, GreatSeal.com is created and ©2009 by John D. MacArthur.
Content is based on the official history of the U.S. Seal.

NOTICE: Historical and current government realizations of the Great Seal displayed on this website are not intended to convey an impression of sponsorship or approval by the Government of the United States.