Novus Ordo Seclorum
A New Order of the Ages

The Latin phrase novus ordo seclorum means a new order of the ages, and it can be found on the American dollar bill.

In classical Latin, the same phrase would have been novus ordo saeculorum. (In Later Latin, the diphthong -ae- became an -e-. And the -u- simply dropped out of the word by habit of quick pronunciation.)

The phrase is found on the Great Seal of the United States, from 1782, and appears to signify the independence of a new nation.

If you look carefully at any dollar bill you will find two more Latin phrases: Annuit Coeptis and E Pluribus Unum.


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