| The design is called the coat
of arms of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and it dates back
to the 1770s. The eagle on the top of the shield represents the
United States, with an olive branch and a stalk of corn crossed
at the bottom. The shield is supported by rearing black horses.
Within the shield the ship represents the great amount of trade
that Pennsylvania has carried on around the world. The plow and
sheaves of wheat symbolize wealth from abundant harvests, as well
as the kind of wealth that comes from human thought and action.
The state motto appears on a red banner below the shield. |
