Coin and Paper Money Collecting/Great Seal

Advertisement

Expert: - 12/9/2008


Question

106_2250
I have enclosed pictures of a piece i have had for some time and would like any information regarding origin, historical or monetary value. That you for your assistance, Joel

Answer
Note- I made your answer private by checking a box on this answer form. This hides your coin information from being published.

I feel this answer is not pertinent to anyone else’s piece.  The answer I give for is only your particular item. If for some reason the site blocks your answer and it does not come through please ask me your question again and check the private box on the page.

Hello Joel,                             

I cannot help much with this piece.  The picture you posted is not too clear but I can see it is a medal with the Great Seal of the United States of America on it. And it does look like a piece made using modern methods.

It would help if you can tell me what the words are on the banner in the eagle’s mouth and what is on the other side of the piece.  Include any mottoes or design details.
What metal dot you think it is made of? How much does it weigh and what size is it?

The history of the design origin of the Great Seal itself is;
After many revisions, the Great Seal became the national emblem in 1782. The back of the current U.S. $1 Federal Reserve Note displays images found on both sides of the seal.
The obverse of the seal is found on the right side of the note and was designed by Charles Thomson. A bald eagle holds an olive branch with 13 leaves in one talon and arrows (the traditional American Indian symbol of war) in the other. The eagle is facing the olive branch to signify that peace is preferable to war. Written on the ribbon above the eagle's head is the national motto in Latin "E PLURIBUS UNUM," meaning "one from many" or one country composed of 13 states. The 13 stars, leaves, letters and stripes denote the 13 original states or the Continental Congress.

The reverse of the seal, located on the left, was submitted by William Barton and displays a pyramid, a symbol of strength and permanence, however the structure was left incomplete, just as the United States continues to grow and build. The eye in the triangle overlooking the pyramid suggests the "all-seeing Deity" emphasizing spiritual welfare, while also recognizing education and freedom of knowledge. The Latin phrase "ANNUIT COEPTIS" translates "He (God) has smiled on our undertakings." The mottos have 13 letters, and there are 13 steps on the pyramid. "NOVUS ORDO SECLORUM" means "A new order of the ages." The date at the base, 1776, refers to signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.

I look forward to hearing from you with more information.
Please make your question private.

Thank You and Good Luck

PapaJack  
    Questioner's Rating
    Rating(1-10)Knowledgeability = 10Clarity of Response = 10Politeness = 10
    CommentNo Comment


  • Ask a Question

PAPAJACK

Expertise

Knowledge of United States Coins from 1793 to date. Able to answer most common numismatic questions. Collected U.S. Coins from half cent to 50 dollar gold coins.

Experience

QUALITY CONTROL
United States Coin COLLECTOR/DEALER OVER 20 YEARS, U.S. COINS Worked trade shows,
EXPERT Consulting since 1990, Knowledge of all methods of fabrication used in the industry.
Hobbies:US notes, clocks, cars, computers, coins, leisure activity and crafts to name a few.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.