The great seal of the Commonwealth shall consist of two metallic discs, two and one-fourth inches in diameter, with an ornamental border one fourth of an inch wide, with such words and figures engraved as follows: On the obverse, Virtus, the genius of the Commonwealth, dressed as an Amazon, resting on a spear in her right hand, point downward, touching the earth; and holding in her left hand, a sheathed sword, or parazonium, pointing upward; her head erect and face upturned; her left foot on the form of Tyranny represented by the prostrate body of a man, with his head to her left, his fallen crown nearby, a broken chain in his left hand, and a scourge in his right. Above the group and within the border conforming therewith, shall be the word "Virginia," and, in the space below, on a curved line, shall be the motto, "Sic Semper Tyrannis." On the reverse, shall be placed a group consisting of Libertas, holding a wand and pileus in her right hand; on her right, Aeternitas, with a globe and phoenix in her right hand; on the left of Libertas, Ceres, with a cornucopia in her left hand, and an ear of wheat in her right; over this device, in a curved line, the word "Perseverando."
Code 1950, § 7-26; 1966, c. 102, § 7.1-26; 2005, c. 839.
Structure Code of Virginia
§ 1-502. Custody; impressions displayed in the Library of Virginia
§ 1-503. Uses and tax on great seal
§ 1-504. Uses and tax on lesser seal
§ 1-505. Seals deemed property of Commonwealth; unauthorized use; penalty
§ 1-506. Flag of the Commonwealth
§ 1-507. Governor to prescribe size of flag
§ 1-508. Director of General Services to have available flags of the Commonwealth for sale
§ 1-509. When flag to be suspended over Capitol
§ 1-510. Official emblems and designations
§ 1-511. English designated the official language of the Commonwealth