The Great Seal of the State of Michigan depicts the coat of arms of the U.S. state of Michigan on a light blue field. On the dark blue shield the Sun rises over a lake and peninsula, a man with a raised hand in peace and his other hand holding a long gun, representing a readiness to defend the state and nation. The elk and moose are symbols of Michigan, while the bald eagle represents the United States. meant to emphasize Michigan's being located at a national boundary

Public Act 19 of 1963 states that "The great seal shall be the coat of arms of the state around which shall appear the words 'great seal of the state of Michigan, A.D. MDCCCXXXV'."

Coat of arms of Michigan

Legally distinct from, but adopted simultaneously alongside the Great Seal in 1835, is the coat of arms of Michigan. The coat of arms was re-asserted and its blazon defined by the Legislature in Act 209 of 1911 (MCL 2.21–22). It is identical to the Great Seal of Michigan with the legend or circle, "The Great Seal of the State of Michigan, A.D. MDCCCXXXV", omitted. Unlike the Great Seal, the coat of arms may be printed on documents, stationery, or ornaments with no design or words and disconnected with any advertisement (MCL 750.247). However, a person who improperly exhibits and displays the coat of arms is guilty of a misdemeanor (MCL 750.245).

Government seals of Michigan

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File:Seal of Michigan Governor.svg|Seal of the governor of Michigan

File:Seal of Michigan Secretary of State.svg|Seal of the secretary of state of Michigan

File:Seal of Michigan Attorney General.svg|Seal of the attorney general of Michigan

File:Seal of Michigan Department of Treasury.svg|Seal of the treasurer of Michigan

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See also

  • Flag of Michigan
  • List of Michigan state symbols

References

  • Michigan Secretary of State: History of the Great Seal