Looking to spruce up your office or school supplies? Check out our guide to the 10 best seals of office and school supplies!
Table of Contents
Seals of Office:American Flag & Eagle Embossed Gold Foil Official wax Seal
Seal of the President of the United States
The Seal of the President of the United States is used to mark correspondence from the president of the United States to heads of state and members of their diplomatic missions. The presidential seal developed by custom over a long period before being defined in law.
Early history
Some form of the presidential seal was first used by George Washington. The current design dates from 1885, when it was standardized by enactment of an executive order under Chester A. Arthur.
The use of presidential seals goes back to the earliest days of the republic. George Washington is known to have used a personal seal on at least one occasion. It is not certain whether this seal was actually an “official” seal, or merely a personal emblem which he happened to use on official documents.
In 1792, Congress passed an act (1 Stat. 232) providing for a “great Seal for the United States of America”. This seal was never executed due to technical difficulties in its design. The act was revised in 1793 (1 Stat. 337), but the new seal was not adopted until 1885.
The 1885 design
The current design of the Seal of the President of the United States was standardized by an executive order issued by President Chester Arthur on July 4, 1882. The central element of the seal is a coat of arms:
shield: paleways of thirteen pieces argent and gules; a chief azure;
* Crest: On a wreath argent and gules, out of a coronet composed of crosses-pattee and fleurs-de-lis or, a bull’s head proper gorged with a collar gemel argent;
* Motto: In God We Trust
On the shield are thirteen vertical stripes representing the thirteen original states. The crest is a symbolic representation of American strength and resilience: a grizzly bear rearing up on its hind legs, with a crown around its neck symbolizing sovereignty, and clutching arrows in its mouth symbolizing readiness for war. The motto “In God We Trust” is taken from 1 Timothy 2:2.
The current version of the chief (the blue band across the top of the shield) contains 13 five-pointed stars arranged in rows of three-two-three-two-three. In practice, however, only 12 stars are used, representing the 12 states which were part of the union at the time that James Monroe took office as president in 1817 (Louisiana having been admitted as a state in 1812).
The Act of Congress establishing the Seal also provides that it “may be altered at pleasure by future Presidents”. Many small changes have been made over the years, usually without fanfare or announcement. For example, Grover Cleveland had the number of stars increased from 23 to 24 during his first term (to reflect Oklahoma’s admission as a state in 1907), while Calvin Coolidge changed them back to 23 during his second term (to reflect Texas’ withdrawal from the Union in 1861). Most recently, Dwight D. Eisenhower added two stars to reflect Alaska and Hawaii becoming states in 1959.
The Seal today is officially defined by Executive Order 10860, dated February 5, 1960. This executive order provides that “[t]he Seal heretofore used by the President shall continue in use until otherwise ordered by the President”.
British Union Jack Embossed Gold Foil Official Wax Seal
The British Union Jack Embossed Gold Foil Official Wax Seal is a beautiful and unique way to add a touch of class to any correspondence. This elegant wax seal features the iconic British Union Jack flag in gold foil, making it perfect for sealing invitations, letters, and other important documents. The easy-to-use seal comes with a self-adhesive backing, making it quick and easy to use. Simply peel off the backing and press the seal onto your chosen paper or envelope. The result is a stunning, professional-looking seal that will impress your recipients.
Canadian Maple Leaf Embossed Gold Foil Official Wax Seal
The Canadian Maple Leaf Embossed Gold Foil Official Wax Seal is a beautiful and unique way to add a touch of elegance to any document or letter. The seal features a detailed image of a maple leaf in gold foil, which is then embossed onto the paper for a stunning effect. This wax seal is perfect for sealing envelopes, letters, cards, and more. It’s also a great gift for any occasion.
US Capitol Building Embossed Gold Foil Official Wax Seal
The United States Capitol Building is the home of the United States Congress, the legislative branch of the U.S. federal government. It is located on Capitol Hill at the eastern end of the National Mall in Washington, D.C.. Though it has never been the geographic center of the federal district, the Capitol is the origin by which the district is both measured and divided into four quadrants. The original building was completed in 1800 and was subsequently expanded, particularly with the addition of the massive dome, and other architectural adjustments, resulting in its present appearance.
A large number of sculptures, paintings, and architectural features in the Capitol are of artistic or historical interest. The Capitol Visitor Center received a 2009 Honor Award from the American Institute of Architects. The building has been designated a National Historic Landmark and a National Historic Landscape District. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Washington, D.C., attracting some 3 million visitors a year.
The main entrance to the Capitol is located on the north side of the building, facing the United States Capitol grounds and National Mall. The front steps are flanked by two sets of stairs that lead up to terraces on each side of the main entrance. On days when either House of Congress is in session, access to the main entrance is limited to authorized pass holders only. Visitors wishing to enter the Capitol must pass through security screening at one of several entrances to enter the Visitor Center, which is located underground on the east side of the Capitol grounds. From there, they are directed through tunnels to reach either House Gallery entrances or Statuary Hall.
White House Embossed Gold Foil Official Wax Seal
The White House Embossed Gold Foil Official Wax Seal is a beautiful and elegant way to show your support for the President of the United States. This stunning wax seal features the official White House seal in gold foil, along with the words “President of the United States” and “E Pluribus Unum.” It’s a perfect way to add a touch of class and patriotism to any letter or document, and it makes a great gift for any occasion.
Supreme Court of the United States Embossed Gold Foil Official Wax Seal
The Supreme Court of the United States is the highest court in the federal judiciary of the United States. Established pursuant to Article III of the U.S. Constitution in 1789, it has original jurisdiction over a small range of cases, such as suits between two or more states and those involving ambassadors. It also has ultimate appellate jurisdiction over all federal and state court cases that involve a point of federal law. The Court has the power of judicial review, the ability to declare laws or executive actions unconstitutional. The Court may decide cases having political overtones, but it generally does not make policy decisions; it expresses only legal opinions.
The Supreme Court consists of the Chief Justice of the United States and eight Associate Justices who are nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate. Once appointed, justices have lifetime tenure unless they resign, retire, or are removed from office by impeachment.
The Court meets in Washington, D.C., in a building completed in 1935, with oral arguments held October through April each year. It typically hears 80 to 150 cases per term, has an active docket of about 7000 cases per year, and issues about 150 written opinions annually.
Library of Congress Embossed Gold Foil Official Wax Seal
The Library of Congress Embossed Gold Foil Official Wax Seal is a beautiful and intricate wax seal that is perfect for anyone who wants to add a touch of class and sophistication to their letters and envelopes. This wax seal features the iconic image of the Library of Congress, which is embossed in gold foil. The seal is made from high-quality materials, and it comes with a self-adhesive backing that makes it easy to apply. The seal is also very durable, so you can be sure that it will last for many years.
United States Postal Service Embossed Gold Foil Official Wax Seal
The United States Postal Service Embossed Gold Foil Official Wax Seal is a beautiful and classic way to add a touch of elegance to your letters and cards. This seal features the official USPS logo in gold foil, and is perfect for sealing envelopes, invitations, and other important documents. The seal comes with an easy-to-use adhesive backing, and can be applied to any smooth surface.
NASA Embossed Gold Foil Official Wax Seal
The NASA Embossed Gold Foil Official Wax Seal is a beautiful and unique way to show your support for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. This stunning seal features an intricate design that is perfect for display or use on correspondence. The solid gold foil is embossed with the official NASA logo, and the reverse side of the seal features the agency’s mission statement. This makes a great gift for anyone who supports the space program or has an interest in astronomy.
Vatican City StateEmbossed Gold Foil Official Wax Seal
The Vatican City State is a sovereign, independent state that covers an area of just over 44 hectares (109 acres). The state is ruled by the Bishop of Rome—the Pope—and has an independent government, which consists of the Pontifical Commission for the State of Vatican City and the Governorate of Vatican City. The state has its own currency (the euro), postal system, radio and television service, and newspaper (L’Osservatore Romano). It also has its own army—the Swiss Guard—and issues its own passports and license plates.
Vatican City is the smallest country in the world, and its population is just over 800. The majority of residents are Catholic clergymen, but there are also a number of lay people who work in the city-state’s administration or in one of its many museums or other institutions. Vatican City is a popular tourist destination, and its attractions include St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican Museums.
The Vatican City State was established in 1929 by the Lateran Treaty between the Holy See—the governing body of the Catholic Church—and Italy. Prior to that time, the Holy See was based in Rome but did not have sovereignty over any territory. The treaty gave the Holy See sovereignty over Vatican City, and also recognized it as an independent state.