The SEAL of a sovereign authority such as Canada or one of the provinces. It is impressed on documents to authenticate them and to mark the authority from which they emanate.

the principal seal of a government, symbolizing authority or sovereignty

Established as the national emblem in 1782, it first appeared on U.S. paper money in 1907; since 1935 it has been part of the back design of the $1 bill. On the obverse of the seal, the American eagle holds olive branches in its right talon and arrows in its left, under 13 stars for the original colonies. On the seal's reverse, a broken pyramid signifies strength, with room to expand.