Millions of people handle the American one-dollar bill every day, yet few pause to study the symbols printed on its reverse side.
There we find the Great Seal of the United States, a design rich with imagery drawn from the ideals and struggles of a young nation.
The seal was officially adopted in 1782 after years of proposals and revisions. It was not the work of one man alone, but the combined effort of several committees and artists during the founding era.
The Eagle represents strength, independence, and national resolve.
The Shield suggests a united people standing together without support from a monarchy.
The Olive Branch symbolizes peace.
The Arrows symbolize readiness to defend that peace.
E Pluribus Unum means “Out of many, one.”
The reverse side of the seal shows an unfinished pyramid. It reflects strength and endurance, while also suggesting that the nation’s work was not complete.
Above the pyramid is the Eye of Providence, a long-standing symbol used in art to represent divine watchfulness and guidance.
The Latin phrase Annuit Coeptis is often translated, “He has favored our undertakings.”
Below appears Novus Ordo Seclorum, meaning, “A new order of the ages,” referring to the beginning of the American republic.
At the base of the pyramid is the Roman numeral MDCCLXXVI, the year 1776.
Many legends have grown around these symbols over the years. Some are interesting, some exaggerated, and some simply untrue. Yet the real story is compelling enough without embellishment.
The dollar bill preserves a snapshot of how the founders viewed their experiment in liberty: strength with humility, peace with readiness, unity from diversity, and dependence upon Providence.
It is more than currency. It is a small piece of national symbolism that passes through countless hands each day.
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