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Design ProcessLate on the afternoon of July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress appointed Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and John Adams "to bring in a device for a seal for the United States of America." Like other nations, America needed an official symbol of sovereignty to seal and authenticate her international treaties and transactions. The new nation needed a symbolic signature others would recognize and honor.
During the next six years of the Revolution, three different committees submitted ideas for this graphic image of America, but none were acceptable. In June 1782, Congress turned the task over to Charles Thomson who created the final design. In September 1782, the first Great Seal die was cut and used to begin sealing the peace with England. (That die was the obverse, eagle side. A die for the reverse, pyramid side has never been created.) For 238 years now, the Great Seal of the United States has ratified international agreements of peace, cooperation, and trade. Representing the people of America, it seals their promise to other nations. The designs suggested by the three committees are wonderful windows into the revolutionary minds of the founders. They reflect America's struggle for Independence and help us better understand the thinking that went into the Great Seal of the United States.
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Historical content is based on the official history of the Great Seal.
Online since 1998 • Webwright: John D. MacArthur
