The Great Seal of the United States of America Plate Value Guide

This ceramic plate is a significant piece of Americana produced to commemorate the 1976 United States Bicentennial. Featuring the iconic 1782 Great Seal design, it serves as a tangible connection to the nationwide 200th-anniversary celebrations of the Declaration of Independence.

What affects the value of The Great Seal of the United States of America Plate?

• Condition of the gold or silver gilt detailing often found on the rim of these commemorative plates.
• Presence of original packaging or historical inserts from the 1976 celebration.
• Overall surface preservation, specifically the absence of crazing, chips, or fading in the Great Seal transfer print.
• Market demand for Bicentennial-specific memorabilia within the broader Americana collecting category.

How to Identify The Great Seal of the United States of America Plate?

• Look for the specific dual dating of '1776' and '1976' prominently displayed on the face or rim.
• Verify the central imagery features the bald eagle clutching an olive branch and arrows, consistent with the 1782 Great Seal.
• Check the reverse side for ceramic maker marks or stamps indicating it was produced in the United States for the Bicentennial era.
• Confirm the material is authentic glazed ceramic rather than later plastic or melamine reproductions.

History of The Great Seal of the United States of America Plate

The Great Seal of the United States was first adopted in 1782, though its design has seen minor adjustments over the years. This particular plate, featuring the dates 1776 and 1976, was almost certainly produced as a commemorative item for the United States Bicentennial. The Bicentennial was a nationwide celebration of the 200th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, marked by numerous events, memorabilia, and special editions of various products.