Great Seal of the United States

Great Seal of the United States, symbol of the sovereignty of the nation, adopted by the government in 1782. The design on the seal's face—an American eagle with a shield on its breast, an olive branch in its right talon, and 13 arrows in its left talon—is used to authenticate important documents. Reverse side of the seal is displayed on the back of the one-dollar bill, but is not used as a seal.

See also: E pluribus unum.