Main Pages

Front Page
Seal FAQs

Design Process
 1st Committee
 2nd Committee
 3rd Committee
 Final Design

Latin Mottoes
 E Pluribus Unum
 Annuit Coeptis
 Novus Ordo Seclorum

Symbols (front)
 Bald Eagle
 Olive Branch
 Rays of Light

Symbols (back)

Great Seals
 Official Dies
  Pendant Seals
 First Engravings
 First Painting
 1792 Medal
 Indian Medals
 1882 Medal
 One-Dollar Bill
 United Seal
 Eagle Rising

 Eagle Side
 Pyramid Side


 Wild Turkey
 President's Seal

Great Seal Centennial Medal of 1882

Great Seal Centennial Medal of 1882

The most accurate version of the Great Seal ever produced by the U.S. Government is this commemorative medal minted in 1882.

The rays of light are "breaking through a cloud" over the eagle's head, as specified in the official written description of the Great Seal.

Also, the stars are in a random pattern. This is how they should be, because no shape to the constellation of stars is specified in the Seal's description. It would be inappropriate to form the stars into a heart, dollar sign, or other recognizable pattern. All official dies of the Great Seal are technically incorrect because their stars form a hexagram, a six-pointed star.

Indian Peace Medals were also accurately based on the written description.