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First Die of the Great Seal of the United States

  • 1782

View the full document here: https://docsteach.org/document/first-die-great-seal-united-states/

Description

On September 16, 1782, this brass die of the front of the Great Seal was first used to impress its engraved design onto softer metals. Notice that it features a crested eagle instead of today’s bald eagle. This die was used until 1841. A die of the reverse side was never cut.

Citation

This primary source comes from the General Records of the United States Government.

National Archives Identifier: 596742

Full Citation: First Die of the Great Seal of the United States; 1782; Dies of the United States Seal, 1782–1909; General Records of the United States Government, Record Group 11; National Archives Building, Washington, DC. [Online Version, https://docsteach.org/document/first-die-great-seal-united-states/, April 10, 2026]

Rights: Public Domain, Free of Known Copyright Restrictions. Learn more on our privacy and legal page.

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