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By Steven Messina

The Great Seal of William Barton

What is the Great Seal?

The Great Seal is used for official US documents, as well as on the American dollar.

Who is William Barton?

Barton was a studious heraldist and artist, which had influenced the design of his Great Seal

William_Barton_Reverse_Great_Seal.jpg

All-seeing eye that represents God

"With God's Favor" (God favoring)

"Everlasting" (Through the years)

Thirteen golden steps signaling strength and duration

William_Barton_Obverse_Great_Seal.jpg

American Soldier bearing a blue baton and saber

Maiden clad in a white garment bearing a crown and star-ridden blue sash with a bird perched on her finger

Eagle clutching an American flag and a laurel-tipped sword

"In defense of liberty"

"Only virtue unconquered"

Nested pheonix within a crest resembling American flag

References

MacArthur D., John. Great Seal.com, greatseal.com/committees/thirdcomm/index.html.

Wallenfeldt, Jeff. Timeline of the American Revolution. Encyclopoedia Britannica, https://www.britannica/com/list/timeline-of-the-american-revolution.

Rubincam, Milton. A Memoir of the Life of William Barton, A.M. (1754-1817). Pennsylvania History, vol. XII, no. 3, July 1945. p. 180., https://journals.psu.edu/phj/article/view/21538/21307 

Title
What is the Great Seal?
Who is William Barton?
Reverse
Obverse
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