The E-Sylum:  Volume 5, Number 36, September 8, 2002, Article 8

SHIELD SYMBOLISM

In response to my query about the symbolism of the shield
in U.S. coinage,  Michael Schmidt writes: "The 13 vertical
stripes do represent the original thirteen colonies.  The
vertical lines in seven of the stripes are the heraldic way of
representing the color red (gules).  The "chief" at the top of
the shield is made up of horizontal lines which indicate the
color blue (azure).  The chief represents the Congress or the
federal government so the shield can be interpreted as
meaning  "The states support the Congress (or Federal
government) which in turn unites and holds the states
together."

[Wow - E-Sylum readers sure are a knowledgeable bunch.
I've always felt that an E-Sylum subscription is not unlike
an advanced study course in numismatics.  I find myself
learning something new nearly every week.  -Editor]

  Wayne Homren, Editor

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