Great Seal of the United States facts for kids
The Great Seal of the United States is a special symbol for the United States. It's like the official badge or coat of arms of the country. You can find it on important papers from the U.S. government.
The name "Great Seal" means two things. It refers to the design itself, which is like a picture. It also refers to the actual physical seal, which is used to stamp documents. This important seal was first used way back in 1782.
What is the Great Seal?
The Great Seal is a unique design that represents the United States. It's not just a pretty picture; it's a powerful symbol of the nation's history and values. The seal has two sides, often called the front and the back.
The Seal's Design
The design of the Great Seal uses the national colors of the United States. These are red, white, and blue. However, when the physical seal is pressed onto paper, it usually appears in simple black and white.
Where You Can See It
You might have seen parts of the Great Seal without even knowing it! Its design is used on many national items. For example, you can find it on U.S. passports. It's also used by the United States military and on some flags. Since 1935, both sides of the Great Seal have been printed on the one-dollar bill.
Images for kids
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The front side of the Great Seal.
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The back side of the Great Seal.
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The seal's design shown in a painting from 1865.
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A 1525 painting showing the Eye of Providence, a symbol also on the seal.
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A magazine title page from 1737.
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An early design idea for the pyramid from 1778.
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Charles Thomson's drawing, which helped create the final seal.
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The very first document to be stamped with the Great Seal.
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The machine and cabinet used to make the seal, made in 1903.
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Clydia Mae Richardson and John Foster Dulles using the seal press in 1955.
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A special wafer used to create the seal.
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The wafer is placed over a part of the seal machine.
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The seal is pressed down onto the wafer.
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The finished, imprinted seal.
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See also
In Spanish: Gran sello de los Estados Unidos para niños
