U.S. Treasury website: $1 bill features eye of "a deity"

U.S. Treasury ^ | 2005 | govt site

[dogbowl]

On the reverse of the seal is a pyramid with 1776 in Roman numerals at the base. The pyramid stands for permanence and strength. The pyramid is unfinished, signifying the United States' future growth and goal of perfection. A sunburst and an eye are above the pyramid, representing the overseeing eye of a deity. The 13-letter motto, "Annuit Coeptis" means "He has favored our undertakings." Below the pyramid the motto, "Novus Ordo Seclorum" means "A new order of the ages," standing for the new American era.

[dogbowl]

I read the circulating email regarding the dollar's history, and sought the facts from the source. Who's this deity they mention, Vishnu? Kind of annoying. The sensitivity police have apparently scrubbed this version of history.

[Sacajaweau]

The history of the various structures on our bills can be found in the Congressional record. See American Memory at the Library of Congress.

[blackdog]

I'm still thrilled at the spider on the $5. Amazing detail in printing.

[Dog Gone]

Who's this deity they mention, Vishnu?

Tom Landry.

[supercat]

A sunburst and an eye are above the pyramid, representing the overseeing eye of a deity.

I wonder if this was sop to the ACLU, or a SOP to people who would have no idea who/what "Providence" meant.

[dogbowl]

I thought the spider was on upper right corner of the $1.

[Republicus2001]

how about the mushroom on the One bill verso?

[blackdog]

OK, as we all reach into our pockets.......Be back soon!

[Sacajaweau]

The following is from the Congressional Record...dated June 20, 1782 in regard to the US Seal. These same devices appear on the bill:

"A pyramid unfinished. In the zenith, an eye in a triangle, surrounded with a glory proper. Over the eye these words "Annuit Coeptis". On the base of the pyramid the letters MDCCLXXI. And underneath the following mottoe, "Novus Ordo Seclorum". It continues with "Remarks and Explanations".

This is a portion" "The Pyramid signifies strength and duration. The eye over it and the motto allude to the many signal interpositions of providence in favour of the American cause. The date underneath is that of the Declaration of Independence and the words under it signify the new American Era, which commences from that date".

A search of American Memory will give you even more info.

[Sacajaweau]

Was this the $5 bill engraved by Shirlaw?

I have a print of "The Reprimand" and it is signed by Shirlaw. It's a prized possession.

[rdb3]

"Novus Ordo Seclorum" also means "New World Order."

[SunkenCiv]

How many times does the image of Lincoln appear on the US penny? [old chestnut]

[dogbowl]

Oops... the PC excerpt I originally posted was from the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. The Treasury Department actually gets its theology right.

http://www.treas.gov/education/faq/currency/portraits.shtml#q3
"[T]he "All-Seeing Eye" located above the pyramid suggests the importance of divine guidance in favor of the American cause. The inscription ANNUIT COEPTIS translates as "He (God) has favored our undertakings," and refers to the many instances of Divine Providence during our Government's formation."