Stella quarta decima
Stella quarta decima (Latin "The Fourteenth Star") is a motto appearing on Vermont copper coinage struck in 1785 and 1786. The coins were issued during the period when Vermont was an independent state (1777–1791), sometimes referred to as the Vermont Republic.
The motto appears on the reverse of the coin and encircles a corona of 13 small stars representing the existing United States, with a large central star with an eye contained within. The motto expresses the then independent state's aspiration to join the United States as the fourteenth state.
Vermont was admitted to the United States on March 4, 1791.
"Stella quarta decima fulgeat" became the official state motto on April 10, 2015. That translates as "May the 14th star shine bright.".[1]
References
- de Albuquerque, Martin. Notes and Queries: Medium of Inter-Communication for Literary Men, Artists, Antiquaries, Genealogists, Etc. Bell & Daldy, London: 1862.
- Doyle, William T. The Vermont Political Tradition and Those Who Helped Make It. Doyle Publisher: 1987. ISBN 0-9615486-1-4.
- Mussey, Barrows. Vermont Heritage, a Picture Story. A.A. Wyn, Inc.: 1947.
- Ryder, Hillyer. Colonial Coins of Vermont. Durst: 1982. ISBN 978-0-915262-65-6.