[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.

[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.

[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."