The obverse side of William Barton's design for the Great Seal of the United States, done as part of the third committee's attempt for a design. This was not used, as it was too complex, though this was the first appearance of an eagle in any of the preliminary designs.

Barton's full blazon was:[1]

Arms: Barry of thirteen pieces, Argent & Gules; on a pale, Or, a Pillar of the Doric Order, Vert, reaching from the Base of the Escutcheon to the Honor point; and, from the Summit thereof, a Phoenix in Flames with Wings expanded, proper: the whole within a Border, Azure, charged with As many Stars as pieces barways, of the first.
Crest: On an Helmet of Burnished Gold, damasked, grated with six Bars, a Cap of Liberty, Vert; with an Eagle displayed, Argent, resting thereon; holding in his dexter Talon a Sword, Or, having a Wreath of Laurel suspended from the point; and, in the sinister, the Ensign of the United States, proper.
Supporters: On the dexter side, the Genius of the American Confederated Republic: represented by a Maiden, with flowing Auburn Tresses; clad in a long, loose, white Garment, bordered with Green; having a Sky blue Scarf, charged with Stars as in the Arms, reaching across her Waist from her right Shoulder to her left Side; and, on her Head, a radiated Crown of Gold, encircled with an Azure Fillet spangled with Silver Stars: round her Waist a Purple Girdle, embroidered with the Word "Virtus," in Silver a Dove, proper, perched on her dexter Hand.
On the sinister side, an American Warrior; clad in a uniform Coat, of blue faced with Buff, and in his Hat a Cockade of black and white Ribbons: in his left Hand, a Baton Azure, semé of Stars Argent.

Motto, over the Crest – In Vindiciam Libertatis. ("In Defense of Liberty ")
Motto, under the Arms – Virtus sola invicta. ("Only virtue unconquered")