It is no secret that the enigmatic designs on the back of a one dollar bill were carefully thought out and relegated with Masonic influence, with first consideration as far back as 1776. This article takes neither a pro nor antagonistic view in the defense or persecution of such influence, but simply points out some interesting details concerning the design.
It must first be remembered that historically, the birth of this nation was during a period globally known as the "Age of Enlightenment," and a salient feature in all things in society was found expressed through symbolism. The arts, music, literature, politics and social values, to name a few, were treated in such a way. It has often occurred to me to be blatantly ironic that in this age, the duality of double standards existed in polite society as in the many forms of injustice, especially slavery. But not to digress, let's return to Freemasonry, which is rich in hidden symbolic meanings and metaphors, especially as seen on the paper dollar.
Late in the afternoon of July 4, 1776, the continental congress "resolved that a committee comprised of Dr. Franklin, J.Adams, and Mr. Jefferson prepare a device for a seal of the United States of America..." A committee was hence formed, and a design propagated.
It was then shelved, as a young nation's congress attended to more pressing matters.
Three years passed, and the subject brought up again.Then, on March 28th, 1780, the original report was brought before a NEW committee. This new committee received artistic assistance from one Francis Hopkinson, an artist who then designed most of the symbolism. Two more years passed, and on June 21, 1782, the acceptance of the final design of the seal was fixed.
On the obverse side (the back side of the dollar) is an eagle whose dexter wing (left hand side as you look at the eagle) has thirty two feathers, the number of ordinary degrees in the "Scottish Rite Freemasonry." The sinister wing (right hand side of the eagle as you are looking at it,) has thirty three feathers, the additional feather corresponding with the 33rd degree of the same rite conferred for outstanding Masonic service. The tail feathers number nine, which are the number of degrees in the chapter, council, and commandery of the "York Rite" of Freemasonry.
Note: Although termed "Scottish Rite," historically it's origins were from France. The "York Rite" is sometimes called the American Rite; The eagle, thus clothed, is representation of the union of French and American Masons throughout history in the struggle for liberty, equality, and fraternity.
Therefore, the total number feathers in the two wings number 65, by through Gematria is the value of the Hebrew phrase, 'YAM YAWCHOD,' translated as "Together in Unity." This phrase appears in psalm 133 as follows, in the bible:
"...behold, how pleasant and good it is for brethren to dwell together in unity..." and is thus used in the ritual for the first degree of Freemasonry.
The 'Glory,' (shining emblem) above the eagles head is divided into twenty four equal parts and reminds the observer of the Mason's guage, also divided into twenty four, being emblematic of the service he is obligated to perform. The five pointed stars represent the Masonic 'blazing star,' and five points of fellowship.
Interesting enough, the arrangement of the stars in the constellation form the star of David.
One need only to trace the stars to see this. In the original seal, colour is used. The gold, silver, and azure colours represent the sun, moon, and worshipful master- The first that rules the day, the second that rules the night, and the third, the lodge. Silver is connected with the letter 'G,' 'Gimel,' in Hebrew- a significant letter in the Masonic seal itself.
The shield on the eagles breast is in red, white, and blue, the patriotic colours of this nation. These colours were not chosen simply because they were pretty, but again, for their symbolism-Red, valor; White, purity; and Blue, justice. In Gematria, these colours equal 103, which is also the value of the phrase, "EBHEN HA-ADAM," (the stone of Adam, also called the stone of the philosophers) and suggests the perfect 'ashlar' or, 'squared stone.' Too, 103 is also the value of the noun BONAIM, a rabbinical word signifying "builders/masons."
The scroll in the eagle's beak says "E PLURIBUS UNUM," for "of many, one." On the reverse of the original seal is the "all seeing eye" within a triangle surrounded by a golden 'Glory.' It has a qabbalistic value seventy, plus three, plus two hundred (273) which is the gematric equivalent to the phrase, "EBEN MOSU HABONIM," (the stone the builders refused.) That is also the value of the Hebrew proper noun, "HIRAM ABIFF," the architect of Solomon's Temple and the principle character of the legend used in the Master Mason degree.
The triangle is an Isosocles triangle, formed by two right triangles having sides of 5, 12, and 13 units in length, illustrating the 47th problem of Euclid. The triangle also represents the capstone of the unfinished pyramid and is reminder of the immortality of the soul, which in eternity will will complete the capstone of his earthly labours according to the will of God, the 'all seeing eye.'
This symbolism is extremely well thought out and precise in it's use and interpretation not only for the brotherhood of the Masonic lodge, but stems from Qabbalistic teachings and symbolism, hallmarks of the lodge. Some of the most notable persons of this age included Franz Josef Haydn, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams,
to name a few.
So it is important to remember that when looking at the dollar, or other national seals that there is certainly "more than meets the eye," as it is said, and great and enlightened minds had more to do with such symbolism than most will ever realize.
Copyright 1991 E. Patrick Carroll
Sources used: "Oasis Masonic Files", "Encyclopedia Brittanica"