USD Semiotic Layers

USD Semiotic Layers

Thesis Statement

USD represents multiple semiotic layers, which is strictly American in its nature and reveals the foundation of its nation.

Introduction

It is said that the dollar standard emerged on the face of the Earth with the emergence of the Eurodollar market. This market developed in 1960 when not only the American, but prinicpally British banks (with very small number of continentals) started to accept only short-term bank deposits. The unique feature of this market was that the dollar was the currency of denomination of all accounts, be the bank operating in Britian (with official pound currency) or elsewhere in the world. It is further said that the market developed due to faith in the dollar as the world currency. However, regarding the Great Seal on the dollar bill, many conspiracy theorists have different and speculative views. They believe that the symbolism represents their origin and link with the Freemasons and other cults. Therefore, they further believe that America is being run by such underground fraternities and organisations. Further, these organisations aim to get complete control of the world (Bickerdike, 1920, pp.118-121). This paper discusses the semiotic layers of the dollar bill which includes the laurel wreaths, olive leaves, the portrait found on the front. It also discusses the pyramid, the all-seeing eye, the roman numerals, the number 13, the star, feathers, the bald eagle, the unsupported shield, the horizontal stripes, the vertical stripes the olive branch and the arrows that appear on the back. The paper then goes on to discuss each symbol's meaning.

Discussion

Eagle Symbol

The front of the seal, which is on the right-hand side of the back of the dollar bill, depicts an eagle holding an olive branch and arrows. Eagle is said to be derived from the heraldic depiction of an eagle with wings and the body. The eagle has been the traditional symbol of American liberty for generations, but there has been speculation that the eagle was originally supposed to be a phoenix. The phoenix, which represents rebirth, dates to the time of the ancient Egyptians and has also been an important symbol in Masonic ceremonies and mythology (Bickerdike, 1906, pp.529-535). It represents being initiated and reborn into the Masonic brotherhood as well as being reborn into wisdom. The bird's nine tail feathers are thought to represent the nine orders of the York Rite of Masonry. The scroll in the mouth of the phoenix/eagle is inscribed with the familiar phrase “E Pluribus Unum,” which translates as “From Many to One.” This symbol has said to be used as an emblem and in numerous states as well as the monarchs (Mcdonald and Rasch, 2006, pp. 31-33). It tends to communicate that USA as a country believes in peace since its holding olive leaves and at the same time can fight for peace.

Significance of Thirteen

Another starking feature is the use of the quantity of thirteen. There are innumerable symbols in the seal that are all thirteen in number. These include thirteen stars, thirteen arrows in the ...