The 1$ US Dollar Bill

Front of the $1 Bill

1. Portrait

• George Washington: The first President of the United States. The portrait is based on a Gilbert Stuart painting.

2. Federal Reserve Seal

• On the left side, you see the black seal of the Federal Reserve Bank that issued the note (letter + district name).

3. Treasury Seal

• On the right side, the green seal of the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

4. Serial Numbers

• Unique identifying numbers, printed twice.

5. Signatures

• Treasurer of the U.S. and Secretary of the Treasury.

Back of the $1 Bill

Here’s where most of the symbolism and Latin appear.

1. The Great Seal of the United States

The back of the bill shows both sides of the Great Seal:

Left side: Reverse of the Great Seal

• Pyramid: Represents strength and durability.

  • Unfinished top: Symbolizes that the U.S. is still growing.

  • Eye in the triangle (Eye of Providence): Represents divine guidance / God watching over the nation.

• Latin phrases:

  • "Annuit Cœptis" = "He [God] has favored our undertakings."

    • Suggests divine approval of America’s founding.

  • "Novus Ordo Seclorum" = "A new order of the ages."

    • Refers to the beginning of a new American era after independence.

• Roman numerals at the base of pyramid: MDCCLXXVI = 1776 (the year of independence).

Right side: Obverse of the Great Seal

• Bald Eagle: National bird, symbol of strength, courage, and freedom.

  • Olive branch (right talon): Peace.

  • Arrows (left talon): Readiness for war.

  • Shield on eagle’s chest: Self-reliance of the United States — not dependent on outside support.

  • 13 stripes on shield: Represent the 13 original colonies.

  • Eagle facing the olive branch: Preference for peace over war.

  • Banner in eagle’s beak:

    • Latin: "E Pluribus Unum" = "Out of many, one."

      • Refers to unity of the 13 colonies into one nation.

  • Above eagle’s head: 13 stars in a radiant glory = New constellation, symbolizing the new nation.

Other Symbolism in Numbers

• 13 everywhere: Represents the 13 original colonies.

  • 13 arrows, 13 leaves, 13 olives, 13 stripes, 13 stars.

• This number shows unity and independence.

Summary of the Latin Phrases

1. Annuit Cœptis – He [God] has favored our undertakings

2. Novus Ordo Seclorum – A new order of the ages

3. E Pluribus Unum – Out of many, one