<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> <P> Barton explained that the motto alluded to the Eye of Providence: "Deo favente which alludes to the Eye in the Arms, meant for the Eye of Providence ." In western art, God is traditionally represented by the Eye of Providence, which principally symbolizes God's omniscience . </P> <P> When designing the final version of the Great Seal, Charles Thomson (a former Latin teacher) kept the pyramid and eye for the reverse side but replaced the two mottos, using Annuit Cœptis instead of Deo Favente (and Novus Ordo Seclorum instead of Perennis). When he provided his official explanation of the meaning of this motto, he wrote: </P> <P> The Eye over it (the pyramid) and the motto Annuit Cœptis allude to the many signal interpositions of providence in favor of the American cause . </P>

What do the latin words on the dollar bill mean