Why does the eagle have 13 claws and 13 arrows?
Christopher Davis
Updated on April 09, 2026
The Continental Congress approved this design on June 20, 1782. The design used the eagle that holds a scroll in its beak with the E Pluribus Unum motto; in one claw is an olive branch, a symbol of peace, and the other claw holds thirteen arrows, a symbol of war.
Why does the American eagle hold 13 arrows?
The recurring number 13 refers to the 13 original states. The arrows and olive branch together symbolize that the United States has “a strong desire for peace, but will always be ready for war.” (see Olive Branch Petition).
What does the 13 Step Pyramid mean?
New Order of the Ages
Pyramid: The seal’s reverse side contains a 13-step pyramid with the year 1776 in Roman numerals at the base (the year independence was declared). Scroll: Below the pyramid, a scroll reads “Novus Ordo Seclorum” – Latin for “New Order of the Ages.” which refers to 1776 as the beginning of the American new era.
How many arrows are on the dollar bill?
But you might be surprised by how many times the number shows up. It’s one of the most frequent dollar bill symbols. There are 13 arrows, 13 olive branch leaves, 13 olive fruits, 13 stars above the eagle, 13 steps of the pyramid, and 13 bars on the shield.
What do the 13 arrows mean?
war
The traditional presidential seal has an image of an American eagle. In one of the eagle’s talons, it’s holding an olive branch — symbolizing peace— and in the other, thirteen arrows — symbolizing war. A shield is on the crest of the eagle and has 13 red and white stripes that represent the United State’s 13 colonies.
What is the eagle holding on the dollar bill?
olive branch
The eagle on the back of the dollar bill holds an olive branch (representing peace) in its right talon and arrows (symbolizing war) in its left talon. But on silver coins from 1801 to 1807, the eagle held them in opposite talons.
What do the arrows symbolize in the US Great Seal?
Charles Thomson, Secretary of the Continental Congress, designed the 1782 seal to symbolize our country’s strength, unity, and independence. The olive branch and the arrows held in the eagle’s talons denote the power of peace and war.
Is it illegal to use the presidential seal?
In general, commercial use of the seal is prohibited by 18 USC 713 of the United States Code, and further defined by Executive Orders 11916 and 11649.
What do the 13 symbols on the back of the US dollar bill mean?
There are 13 olive branch leaves, 13 arrows, 13 olive fruits, 13 steps of the pyramid, 13 stars above the eagle, and 13 bars on the shield. Although this last item is probably a coincidence, “annuit coeptis” and “e pluribus unum” both contain 13 letters. Latin phrases appear on different areas of the dollar bill.
Who is the eagle on the back of the dollar bill?
Pull out a dollar bill or use this image for reference as you read through this post. The pyramid and the eagle on the back of the dollar bill make up what is called the Great Seal of the United States. THE PYRAMID. The pyramid was originally suggested by William Barton, an artist on the third Great Seal committee in 1782.
Why is the bald eagle holding a bundle of 13 arrows?
The official description specifies the bald Eagle holding ” in his sinister a bundle of thirteen arrows.” The official explanation describes the symbolism: ” The Olive branch and arrows denote the power of peace & war which is exclusively vested in Congress.”
What do the 13 stars on the Eagle mean?
The stars above the eagle. This one is pretty easy. The 13 stars represent the original 13 colonies in the country. 6. The eagle’s talons. The eagle holds an olive branch in one claw, representing peace, and arrows in the other, representing war.