<P> Annuit cœptis (/ ˈænjuːɪt ˈsɛptɪs /; in Classical Latin: (ˈannuɪt ˈkoe̯ptiːs)) is one of two mottos on the reverse side of the Great Seal of the United States . (The second motto is Novus ordo seclorum; another motto appears on the obverse (front) side of the Great Seal: E pluribus unum .) Taken from the Latin words annuo (third - person singular present or perfect annuit), "to nod" or "to approve", and coeptum (plural coepta), "commencement, undertaking", it is literally translated, "(he) favors our undertakings" or "(he) has favored our undertakings" (annuit could be in either the present or perfect tense). </P> <P> In 1782, Sam Adams appointed a design artist, William Barton of Philadelphia, to bring a proposal for the national seal . For the reverse, Barton suggested a thirteen - layered pyramid underneath the Eye of Providence . The mottos which Barton chose to accompany the design were Deo Favente ("with God's favor", or more literally, "with God favoring") and Perennis ("Everlasting"). The pyramid and Perennis motto had come from a $50 Continental currency bill designed by Francis Hopkinson . </P>

What does annuit coeptis on the dollar bill