"Great Seal Mottoes
E Pluribus Unum

Out of Many, One


"E pluribus unum" was chosen by the first Great Seal committee in 1776. Consultant and artist Pierre Du Simitière recommended this Latin motto, and his design is essentially an expression of this theme.

The phrase's English translation – Out of many, one – is a clear reference to the thirteen colonies united into one nation, and symbolized by the shield on the eagle's breast. As explained in the official description of the Great Seal:

The shield is composed of thirteen vertical stripes that "represent the several states all joined in one solid compact entire, supporting a Chief, which unites the whole & represents Congress. The Motto alludes to this union."

Two other symbolic elements also suggest E pluribus unum:
The thirteen stars that form a single constellation
The thirteen arrows in a bundle of great strength.

This motto was well known to literate Americans of the 18th century. It appeared in the Gentleman's Magazine, published monthly in London from 1731 to 1922. The legend "E pluribus unum" was used on the title pages of the annual volumes that contained a collection of the year's twelve editions of the magazine. The motto also had been associated with the image of a hand holding a bouquet of flowers.



Symbols of unity were abundant during the 1770s and '80s, especially on continental currency. One bill depicted a golden candlestick with thirteen candles giving "one and the same light." An eight-dollar note had a harp with thirteen strings and a Latin motto meaning, "The larger are in harmony with the smaller."

The legendary Fugio coins and currency designed by Benjamin Franklin (in 1776) depict a circle of thirteen interlocking rings surrounding the motto, "WE ARE ONE." On the other side was a sundial and the word FUGIO ("I fly") – plus the phrase "Mind your business." "
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