Terrace Hill Preservation 1972 Iowa State Seal Robert Ray Governor Medal Token

The Great Seal of the State of Iowa. Adopted in 1847, one year after Iowa became a U.S. state, it features a rich array of symbols reflecting the state's early history and values.
Here's a breakdown of its key elements and their meanings:
Citizen Soldier: A citizen soldier stands in a wheat field, representing Iowa's volunteer soldiers during the Mexican-American War.
Agricultural and Industrial Symbols: Farming tools, like a plow and sickle, surround the soldier. Elements like a lead furnace and pig lead are also present. These highlight Iowa's agricultural roots and early mining industry, particularly in the Dubuque region.
Transportation: The Mississippi River with a steamboat, often depicted as the "Steamboat Iowa," signifies the role of river transportation in the state's early development and trade.
Eagle and Motto: An eagle holds a scroll with Iowa's state motto: "Our liberties we prize, and our rights we will maintain." This reflects the state's commitment to freedom