|
Pennsylvania's coat of arms is not used in the official capacity of the state seal, but it's a familiar symbol of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and appears on countless documents and publications. The coat of arms also forms the design on Pennsylvania's state flag, and includes the state motto: "Virtue, Liberty, and Independence."
|
Based on a 1778 design by Caleb Lownes of Philadelphia, it features a shield crested by an American Bald Eagle, flanked by horses and adorned with symbols of Pennsylvania's strengths - a ship carrying state commerce to all parts of the world; a clay-red plough, signifying our rich natural resources; and three golden sheaves of wheat, suggesting fertile fields and Pennsylvania's wealth of human thought and action. An olive branch and cornstalk cross limbs beneath - a message of peace and prosperity. The state motto is festooned below.
|
Provincial Pennsylvania's coat of arms was that of the Penn family. A state coat of arms first appeared on state paper money issued in 1777. This first state coat of arms was nearly identical to the state seal (minus the inscription).
Located at Valley Forge, the Pennsylvania coat of arms in bronze placket pictured above was placed when the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania was the keeper of Valley Forge State Park (today the federal government controls Valley Forge).
|
