GreatSeal.com

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

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:

Resources for Teachers

Completing its 13th year, GreatSeal.com is created
and ©2012 by John D. MacArthur.

Historical content is based on the official history of the U.S. Seal.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 or by any department, agency, or instrumentality thereof.