The Seal of the United States Department of the Treasury is a symbolic representation of the department's authority and functions. Designed by Pierre Eugne Du Simitire, it features an eagle perched upon a rock, clutching arrows (symbolizing war) and an olive branch (peace). The shield on its breast bears stripes and stars representing the 13 original colonies. In one talon, the eagle holds a scale to symbolize justice, while in the other, it holds a scroll with the motto "E Pluribus Unum" (Out of many, one). The design was adopted on July 4, 1784, and has been in continuous use since then, making it one of the oldest symbols of the U.S. federal government still in use today.