What is the official seal of the United States?
Great Seal of the United States, official seal of the United States of America. The design of the obverse is the coat of arms of the United States—an official emblem, mark of identification, and symbol of the authority of the government. On the reverse is an unfinished pyramid topped with an eye enclosed in a triangle.
What does the U.S. seal symbolize?
The Great Seal symbolizes independence and self-government and appears on official documents such as proclamations, treaties and communications from the President to heads of foreign governments. You will also find it on U.S. passports and the U.S. one dollar bill.
What is on the presidential seal?
The Presidential Seal is the official symbol of the office of the President of the United States. It includes the President’s coat of arms, an eagle on the great seal, a ring of stars and the words, Seal of the President of the United States.
Who can use the presidential seal?
In general, commercial use of the seal is prohibited by 18 USC 713 of the United States Code, and further defined by Executive Orders 11916 and 11649. The United States Secret Service is authorized to use the seal in conjunction with fund raising sales for its charitable benefit fund.
How many great seals of the United States are there?
The seal shares symbolism with the colors of the American flag. In addition, the number 13 — denoting the 13 original states — is represented in the bundle of arrows, the stripes of the shield, and the stars of the constellation.
Where is the Great Seal currently displayed?
This first die was used until 1841, and is now on display in the National Archives in Washington, D.C. There was no die made of the reverse side of the seal (and in fact, one has never been made).
Why is the Great Seal important in government?
The Great Seal of the United States is the symbol of our sovereignty as a nation. Its obverse is used on official documents to authenticate the signature of the President and it appears on proclamations, warrants, treaties, and commissions of high officials of the government.
What does the eagle on the U.S. seal represent?
Charles Thomson, Secretary of the Continental Congress, designed the 1782 seal to symbolize our country’s strength, unity, and independence. The olive branch and the arrows held in the eagle’s talons denote the power of peace and war.
Does the U.S. seal change during war?
The fact that the eagle’s last head switch happened immediately after World War II probably cemented the war-vs. -peace myth in many people’s minds. But this was a onetime change only. Think about it: two seals would be a logistical nightmare in practice.