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Original 1782 description Symbols on the Reverse Side of the Great Seal of the United States The reverse side of the Great Seal of the United States is composed of four symbols derived from nature or culture that combine to create a dynamic design whose whole is greater than the sum of its parts. The imagery is complemented by two mottoes, Annuit Coeptis and Novus Ordo Seclorum. REVERSE SIDE SYMBOLIC ELEMENTS A Pyramid unfinished An Eye in a triangle surrounded with a glory (rays of light) On the base of the pyramid, the numerical letters MDCCLXXVI Related Pages Official 1782 Remarks and Explanation Divine eyes For an in-depth report, see "The Great American Pyramid" Note: The Great Seal has a reverse side because in the 18th century when it was designed, pendant seals were used. These were in the form of a two-sided disk of wax attached to the document by ribbons or cords.

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