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The Pennsylvania state seal has two faces: the obverse is most often referred to as the "state seal;" the reverse (counter-seal) is used less frequently to authenticate documents.
Obverse - the main face of the seal is identical to the coat of arms, without the horses. The shield displays a sailing ship (carrying state commerce to all parts of the world), a clay-red plough (signifying our rich natural resources), and three sheaves of wheat (suggesting fertile fields and Pennsylvania's wealth of human thought and action).
To the left of the shield is a stalk of Indian corn; to the right, an olive branch (signifying peace and prosperity). The shield's crest is an eagle; and the design is encircled by the inscription "Seal of the State of Pennsylvania."
Reverse - the counter-seal portrays liberty vs. tyranny. A woman represents liberty - her left hand holds a wand topped by a liberty cap (a French symbol of liberty), her right hand a drawn sword. She is trampling upon Tyranny, represented by a lion. The entire design is encircled by the legend "Both Can't Survive."
Pennsylvanis state seal reverse
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