motto Öffentlichkeit Deposited
Aphorism, often set off from legends or other inscriptions on a coin or medal, often included in blazoning of arms. American examples before the current "In God We Trust" and "E Pluribus Unum" include many listed in "Inscriptions on Colonial Coins: Translations and Index" above. In some, e.g., "Immunis Columbia/Constellatio Nova" and "Liberty Parent of Science and Industry," distinctions between motto and legend are obscured or obliterated. How seriously mottoes were taken is shown by the furor over presidential orders omitting "In God We Trust" from 1907-8 $10 and $20.
- Breen Encyclopedia