A Project of the Robert H. Gore, Jr. Numismatic Endowment University of Notre Dame,Department of Special Collections |
by Louis Jordan |
Crest. The Eye of Providence in a radiant Triangle whose Glory extends over the Shield and beyond the Figures. (Journals of the Continental Congress, 1774-1789, vol. 5, pp. 689-691 with quote from p. 690)There must have been some disagreement over the complex imagery proposed for the shield as the resolution was ordered to "Lie on the Table." The only image from that original shield proposal that became a popular symbol during the Revolution was the Eye of Providence . It was the central element on the standard used in 1778 by the legion under the command of Brigadier General Casimir Pulaski. It was also a central element in the seal on the $40 Continental Currency note of the emission of January 14, 1779 (which can be seen on our Colonial Currency site at
https://coins.nd.edu/ColCurrency/CurrencyText/CC-01-14-79.html
When a design for the great seal was finally adopted in 1782 it is interesting to note only two major elements of the initial proposal were included, namely the Eye of Providence (which can be seen atop the pyramid on the seal, displayed on the back of a one dollar bill) and the motto E PLURIBUS UNUM.