Francis Hopkinson (1737 - 1791), among his many achievements, helped create the Great Seal of the United States, the 'unfinished pyramid" image used on US currency, and the Great Seal of New Jersey. Hopkinson, the delegate from New Jersey to the Continental Congress, created the Seal along with Pierre Eugene du Simitiere in 1776. This original sketch, found with the other sketches in lots 216 and 217, depicts an early stage of what obviously became the final design for the seal. Nearly everything is shown and present, but the shield shows only one plow where the final design shows three. Along with the sketch is a framed presentation piece stating that "they have considered the subject and taken the sentiment of several intelligent gentlemen thereon and are of opinion that Francis Hopkinson Esq should be immediately engaged to employ proper persons at Philadelphia to prepare a Silver Seal which is to be round, of 2 1/2 inches Diameter and 3/8ths of an inch thick, and that the arms shall be 3 plows in an Escutcheon, the supporters 'Liberty' and 'Ceres' and the crest a Horse's Head - these words to be engraved in large letters round the arms Viz "The Great Seal of the State of New Jersey" From the Francis Hopkinson Family Archives