I just learned what many of the symbols on the U.S. dollar actually mean.

Seems like an appropriate subject as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of America’s founding.

A few of my favorites:

👁️ The Eye of Providence

The eye above the unfinished pyramid represents divine providence—God’s guidance over the nation.

🏛️ The unfinished pyramid

The pyramid has 13 levels representing the original states.
It’s unfinished to symbolize that America was—and still is—a work in progress.

🦅 The bald eagle

The eagle holds:

• An olive branch in its right talon (peace)
• 13 arrows in its left talon (war)

What's cool is its head is turned toward the olive branch, symbolizing America’s preference for peace while maintaining the strength to defend itself.

🌿 The olive branch

It contains 13 leaves and 13 olives.

Again, representing the original 13 states.

⭐ The constellation

The 13 stars above the eagle form a constellation, symbolizing a new nation taking its place among the sovereign powers of the world.

📜 “E Pluribus Unum”

Latin for:

“Out of many, one.”

Originally referring to the union of the thirteen colonies into one nation.

🕊️ “Annuit Cœptis”

“He has favored our undertakings.”

A reference to divine favor over the American experiment.

🏛️ “Novus Ordo Seclorum”

“A new order of the ages.”

Not a “new world order.”

The phrase refers to the beginning of a new American era following independence.