Pierre Eugene du Simitiere

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Original design for the Great Seal, by Simitiere.
Original design for the Great Seal, by Simitiere.

Pierre Eugene du Simitiere (1736? - October 1784) was a philosopher, member of the American Philosophical Society, naturalist, patriot, and portrait painter. He was born in Geneva, Switzerland and died in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.

He served as the artistic consultant for the design of the Great Seal of the United States, and was responsible for the addition of the Eye of Providence to it[citation needed]. He also suggested the adoption of the US motto E pluribus unum (Out of Many, One) and was partially responsible for the Seal of New Jersey.

His coin collection was the first record in Early American history to serve as collateral on a loan granted to him by William Dilwyn. This collection later on was sold at public auction on March 10, 1785 at Philadelphia and is the first known coin auction sale in America.[citation needed]

[edit] References

Orosz, Joel J., The Eagle That is Forgotten (Wolfenboro, 1988)


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