New York Symbols, Great Seal

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Great Seal

Adopted in 1882.

The following description of the Coat of Arms is provided for those who may be unfamiliar with heraldic terms:
Shield. A blue, unclouded sky with the golden sun and its rays centered behind a range of three mountains, the middle one the highest; below, a ship and sloop under sail, facing each other and about to meet on a river, bordered by a grassy shore fringed with shrubs, all in natural colors.

Crest (above the shield). On a wreath of blue and gold, an American eagle in its natural colors, facing toward the right (considered a good omen) above a two-thirds global drawing of Earth, showing the north Atlantic Ocean with outlines of its shores.

Supporters (the two figures on the outside of the shield) appear to be joined with the shield as a unit formed by the extension of the scroll:

On the right side of the shield. The figure of Liberty in natural colors, her unbound hair decorated with pearls. She is clothed in blue with red sandals, a loose robe of red hanging down from her shoulders to her feet. In her right hand, she holds a staff topped with a gold Phrygian cap; her left arm is bent at the elbow, the hand supporting the shield at its top right. A royal crown lies at her left foot, thrown down to illustrate the lessening of power of the English monarchy.
On the left side of the shield. The figure of Justice in natural colors, her unbound hair decorated with pearls. She is clothed in gold with a blue belt fringed in red, wearing sandals and a robe as Liberty and bound about the eyes with a narrow band of cloth. In her right hand she holds a gold handled sword, held erect, and resting on the top left point of the shield; left arm is also bent at the elbow, holding scales in front of herself.

Motto. On a silver scroll below the shield, in black type, the word "Excelsior" (Ever Upward).

** - The Great Seal is provided here for educational purposes only. State law restricts reproduction of the Great Seal for other purposes.