This historical depiction of the
coat of arms of Wisconsin was illustrated by the American engraver Henry Mitchell in
State Arms of the Union, published in 1876 by
Louis Prang. The symbols depicted on the
shield in the center represent the changing focus of the state's economy from fur trading to lead and iron mining, agriculture, manufacturing and shipping, as well as the traditional motto of the United States,
E pluribus unum. The badger depicted above the shield alludes to Wisconsin's nickname as the "Badger State", while the
cornucopias in the base represent prosperity and abundance, and the lead
ingots mineral wealth and the
original thirteen U.S. states. Wisconsin's state motto, "Forward", appears above the design, which also features on
the state flag and
the state seal.
Engraving credit: Henry Mitchell; restored by Andrew Shiva