Image: DEU Stade COA

Description: Stade received city rights in the 13th century and was a possession of the Bishops of Bremen since 1180. The oldest great seal of the city dates from the 13th century and shows three towers. A smaller seal, also from the 13th century, shows only a key. The key is the symbol of St. Peter, patron saint of the State of Bremen. Coins struck in the city show since 1272 only the key as the symbol, but until the 17th century the key did not appear on the great seals of the city. In the 19th century two griffins were added as supporters as was a motto below the shield with the letters S.P.Q.ST. (Senatus Populusque Stadensis).
Usage Terms: Public domain