The phrase, appearing on the Great Seal of the United States and subsequently on the one-dollar bill, is Latin for “a new order of the ages.” This motto reflects a belief in a fresh start for America, a break from the established social and political systems of Europe at the time of the nation’s founding. It suggests a transformative period, moving away from the old and embracing a new era.
Its significance lies in encapsulating the idealistic vision of the Founding Fathers. It conveys aspirations for a society based on principles of liberty, equality, and self-governance. The phrase connects the American experiment to a broader historical narrative, suggesting a departure from prior epochs and the establishment of a distinctly different kind of nation. Its continued presence on U.S. currency underscores its enduring relevance to American identity and national ideals.
