Interpretation of the first committee's design for the obverse of the Great Seal of the United States in 1776, which was never used. This was based on Pierre Eugene du Simitiere's proposal, which may in turn have been somewhat based on some elements from an earlier coin design by Benjamin Franklin. This interpretation was made in 1856 by Benson J. Lossing, and is partially incorrect -- the initials of the states are supposed to be on the shield itself, in a border area.

The shield has six Quarters, parts one, coupé. The 1st Argent, a Rose enamelled gules and argent for England: the 2nd Or, a Thistle proper for Scotland: the 3d Vert a Harp Or for Ireland: the 4th Azure a Flower de luce Or for France: the 5th Or the Imperial Eagle Sable for Germany: and the 6th Or the Belgic Lion Gules for Holland, pointing out the countries from which these states have been peopled.

The shield within a bordure Gules entwined of thirteen Scutcheons Argent linked together by a chain or, each charged with the initial letters Sable, as follows: 1st NH, 2nd MB, 3d RI, 4th C, 5th NY, 6th NJ, 7th P, 8th DC, 9th M, 10th V, 11th NC, 12th SC, 13th G, for each of the thirteen independent States of America. [The clockwise sequence lists the states in a north-to-south geographical order. 'MB' stands for 'Massachusetts Bay'. 'DC' stands for 'Delaware Counties' (as this state split off from Pennsylvania as having had been its lower counties).]

Supporters, Dexter the Goddess of Liberty in a corselet of Armour, alluding to the present times, holding in her right hand the Spear and Cap and with her left supporting the shield of the States; Sinister the Goddess of Justice bearing a sword in her right hand and in her left a Balance.

Crest, the Eye of Providence in a radiant Triangle whose Glory extends over the shield and beyond the Figures.

Motto: E Pluribus Unum.

Legend round the whole achievement, "Seal of the United States of America MDCCLXXVI"