The history of the Great Seal began on July 4, 1776, the day America declared its independence. That same day, the Continental Congress appointed a special committee to design an official seal to legitimize international treaties and transactions for the new nation. It took 6 years, but on June 20, 1782, Congress adopted a design for the Great Seal of the United States. The emblem included a heraldic bald eagle grasping olive branches to symbolize peace and arrows to represent strength. The bald eagle's majestic appearance on the seal created a very powerful image and inspired Congress to officially name it our national symbol in 1789.

Available exclusively from American Mint, this 24k gold-layered coin is our official tribute to the American bald eagle and to the freedom it represents. Minted to the highest quality "Proof" standard, it features magnificently detailed elements with a polished finish that stand out on the coin's matte-finished background. On the obverse anAmerican bald eagle with a banner in its beak reading "In God We Trust" and "1782," is beautifully accented in full color. The reverse features the Great Seal of the United States.