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The seal depicts Virtus (the Roman virtue of courage), dressed as an Amazon warrior, standing with one foot on the chest of Tyranny, who lies defeated with a broken chain and fallen crown. Virtus holds a spear in one hand and a sheathed sword in the other. The motto Sic Semper Tyrannis (“Thus Always to Tyrants”) appears below. Designed by George Mason and the Virginia Convention, adopted 5 July 1776.
| State | Virginia (10th state, admitted 25 June 1788) |
|---|---|
| State seal | Virtus (Virtue) with spear and sword standing over defeated tyranny |
| Seal adopted | 1776 |
| State flag | Deep blue field with state seal at center |
| Flag adopted | 1861 |
| Motto | Sic Semper Tyrannis (“Thus Always to Tyrants”) |
| Capital | Richmond |
| Nickname | Old Dominion; Mother of Presidents |
| State flower | American dogwood (Cornus florida) |
Great Seal of Virginia — Since 1776
The seal depicts Virtus (the Roman virtue of courage), dressed as an Amazon warrior, standing with one foot on the chest of Tyranny, who lies defeated with a broken chain and fallen crown. Virtus holds a spear in one hand and a sheathed sword in the other. The motto Sic Semper Tyrannis (“Thus Always to Tyrants”) appears below. Designed by George Mason and the Virginia Convention, adopted 5 July 1776.
Flag of Virginia — Adopted 1861
A deep blue field bears the state seal at center — Virtus over Tyranny. Adopted 30 April 1861. Virginia is one of four US Commonwealths.
Virtus (Virtue) with spear and sword standing over defeated tyranny. Sic Semper Tyrannis. Adopted 1776.
Sic Semper Tyrannis (“Thus Always to Tyrants”).
Deep blue field with state seal at center. Adopted 30 April 1861.
Last reviewed by the Emblema Mundi editorial team on 2026-06-28.