On July 4, 1776, the delegates of the Constitutional Convention charged three of their leaders - Benjamin Franklin, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson - with the task of creating a seal for the new United States. The delegates believed that an emblem and national coat of arms would signify a free and independent nation.

The seal the founding fathers adopted, and that Congress approved on June 20, 1782, portrays a bald eagle displayed against a blue background with the inscription, "E pluribus unum," a Latin phrase that means "Out of many, one." The inscription signified that the 13 colonies had united as one country. In one talon the eagle holds an olive branch; in the other, 13 arrows. Together, the olive branch and arrows were meant to denote the power of peace and war.

Across the eagle's breast is a shield of 13 red and white stripes set against a blue background. It was to symbolize that Americans should rely on their own virtues. Above the eagle's head, 13 stars form a constellation to illustrate that a new country would be taking its place among other nations.

The seal's reverse side, known also as "the spiritual side," contains a 13-step pyramid with the year 1776 in Roman numerals at the base. The top of the pyramid holds the "Eye of Providence," commonly understood to be a symbol for God. Underneath is the motto, "Annuit Coeptis," which has been translated by the U.S. State Department, the U.S. Mint and the U.S. Treasury to mean "He (God) is favorable to our undertakings."

Below the pyramid is the phrase "Novus Ordo Seclorum," which means "new order of the ages," suggesting the birth of the new country.

Today the great seal is displayed in the U.S. State Department and can be seen on the back of the $1 bill.