The next time you receive a $1 bill as change from a cashier, pay attention to a few defining elements on the currency. There’s Washington’s stoic demeanor, the weird pyramid with a glowing eye, and, of course, three Latin phrases inscribed on the back. This Latin text has been there since the debut of the dollar’s current design in 1963. Some conspiracy theorists believe the Latin words have a hidden meaning, but we’re not at liberty to confirm or deny any rumors. However, we can tell you the translation of these Latin phrases..
The Latin phrases are part of the Great Seal of the United States, whose design appears on the side of the bill with “ONE” printed in the middle. To the left is a pyramid with a floating peak — this is the “Eye of Providence,” which represents God keeping a watchful eye on humanity. Above the pyramid is the Latin motto ANNUIT CŒPTIS, a phrase that translates to “He [God] has favored our undertakings.” In the design of the Great Seal, this was an allusion to the seemingly divine interventions that occurred in support of American independence and democracy.
Below the Eye of Providence is the phrase NOVUS ORDO SECLORUM, Latin for “A new world order.” Despite popular rumors, this has nothing to do with the Illuminati; it’s related to the ancient Roman poet Virgil, who wrote the epic Aeneid. When designing the seal in 1782, founding father Charles Thomson was inspired by his past Latin scholarship to include Novus Ordo Seclorum as a way to represent the new democratic vision for the nation.
On the right side is an illustration of a bald eagle with a banner hanging from its mouth. The banner reads E PLURIBUS UNUM, Latin for “Out of many, one.” This motto represents the 13 original colonies that joined together in 1776 to form a new singular nation. Together, these three Latin phrases on the Great Seal and the $1 bill evoke feelings of freedom, democracy, and a new American vision.
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