State Seal of Virginia
Like the seals of a few other US States, ”The Seal of the Commonwealth of Virginia” is double-sided. It was adopted in 1912. The obverse of the seal is used for authorizing all official papers; it is also featured on the flag of Virginia. It shows ”Virginia’s Virtus,” with an exposed left breast, standing in a triumphant pose and partially reclining on her spear with its tip pointing downwards while her parazonium (triangular dagger) is sheathed.
”Tyranny” lies defeated at her feet and the royal crown lays on the ground. “Tyranny” has a broken chain in one of his hands and a whip in the other. ”Virginia Virtus” symbolizes peace; the one nude breast is inspired by the Amazons. The sheathed parazonium is a symbol of authority, “Tyranny” is the British Empire, the fallen crown symbolizes Virginia’s release from Great Britain’s monarchy, the broken chain is Virginia’s freedom while the useless whip represents the punitive laws used by the British during the occupation. “Thus, always to Tyrants” is written in Latin at the bottom of the seal. The reverse of the seal features three Roman goddesses from left to right: Ceres, Libertas, and Aeternitas symbolizing agriculture, freedom and eternity. ”Persevering” is written on the reverse side of the seal.