The Great Seal of the United States of America For activities with the Great Seal go to http://USCitizenshipTeachers.org Send feedback to webmaster@USCitizenshipTeachers.org by Don Fisher
Principal Designer of the Seal Three Committees Charles Thomson Secretary of Congress Worked from 1776 to 1782 Principal Designer of the Seal
Approved on June 20, 1782 Back (Reverse) Side Front (Obverse) Side
On the back of the dollar bill Reverse Front Obverse
White = Purity, Innocence Cloud of Glory “out of many, one” 13 Stars, one constellation Bald Eagle (National Bird) Blue = Vigilance, Justice Olive Branch = peace 13 Arrows White = Purity, Innocence 13 Stripes Red = Valor, Bravery
“He [God] favors our undertakings” Eye of Providence (shining) Unfinished Pyramid 13 Rows of Stones Roman Numbers 1776 “New Order of the Ages”
Used to seal documents & treaties Seal on Internet Law Treaty
Basis for other Seals Trade Representative Supreme Court State Department
What is different? Stars Cloud Scroll Stars Cloud Scroll Shield
Which seal is on the back of the Kennedy half dollar? The Presidential Seal