Coat of arms of Pennsylvania Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Coat of arms of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Versions
Historical coat of arms (illustrated, 1876)
The coat of arms is often used in the form of a seal

Armiger	Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Adopted	1778
Crest	Bald eagle
Torse	Gold and White
Blazon	Tierced per fess azure, Or, and vert; in chief a ship at sea proper; in fess a plough proper; in base three sheaves of wheat proper
Supporters	Horses
Motto	Virtue, Liberty, and Independence

Seal of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Versions
Reverse

Armiger	Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Motto	Both Can't Survive

The Coat of Arms of Pennsylvania is an important symbol for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. It stands alongside the state's official seal and flag. Pennsylvania adopted its coat of arms in 1778.

The State Seal of Pennsylvania became official in 1791. It acts like a special stamp. This stamp shows that important state papers, like official announcements, are real and legal.

Unlike most state seals, Pennsylvania's seal has two sides: a front (called the obverse) and a back (called the reverse). The Secretary of the Commonwealth is in charge of keeping this seal safe. This person uses the seal to confirm government documents. They also use it to announce new laws.

Understanding Pennsylvania's Symbols
- The Pennsylvania Coat of Arms
- Exploring the State Seal's Design
A Look at the History of the Symbols
Where You Can See These Symbols
See Also

Understanding Pennsylvania's Symbols

The Pennsylvania Coat of Arms

The Pennsylvania coat of arms shows a shield. A Bald eagle sits on top of this shield. Two strong Horses stand on either side. The shield itself has symbols that show Pennsylvania's strengths.

A ship sails on the sea. It represents trade, carrying goods from Pennsylvania around the world.
A red plow shows Pennsylvania's rich natural resources and farming history.
Three golden bundles of wheat stand for fertile fields. They also represent the hard work and smart ideas of people in Pennsylvania.

Below these symbols, an olive branch and a cornstalk cross each other. These stand for peace and a good future. The state motto, "Virtue, Liberty, and Independence", is written below. The bald eagle at the top shows Pennsylvania's loyalty to the United States.

Exploring the State Seal's Design

The front side (obverse) of the state seal has a main picture. This picture includes a shield with a ship sailing, a plow, and three bundles of wheat. These symbols highlight how important trade, hard work, and farming are to Pennsylvania's economy. They also represent different parts of the state, like Philadelphia with the ship. On each side of the shield, there is a stalk of Indian corn and an olive branch. These show that the state respects its past and hopes for a bright future. An eagle sits above the shield. It symbolizes Pennsylvania's independence and self-governance. The outer circle of the seal says "Seal of the State of Pennsylvania." This is true even though the state's official name is the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

The back side (reverse) of the seal shows Lady Liberty. She represents freedom and justice. She is shown standing strong against unfairness, which is pictured as a lion. Across the top, a powerful message reads: "Both Can't Survive." This means that freedom and unfair rule cannot exist together; freedom will always win.

A Look at the History of the Symbols

Pennsylvania's coat of arms first appeared on paper money in 1777. Caleb Lownes from Philadelphia created the first design. The state government changed the design a few times. They eventually chose the current design, which is very similar to Lownes's original idea.

The coat of arms that replaced the arms of George III in the Pennsylvania State House around 1784.
This coat of arms was carved by E. Omensetter in 1861. It was for the Dauphin County courthouse in Harrisburg.

Where You Can See These Symbols

You can see the coat of arms in many places. It is on the state flag. It is also on many official seals used by the state government. For example, it appears on the flag of the Governor.