page_title: Symbols of the United States Department of the Treasury
section_title: Watchdog seal
hierarchical_section_title: Symbols of the United States Department of the Treasury / Seal / Watchdog seal
caption_attribution_description: English: An old seal of the United States Department of the Treasury, dating from about 1800. The origin of the seal is a matter of speculation. Just how extensively the seal was used is unknown, but it has long since disappeared from Treasury documents. The original plate of the seal is on deposit at the Government Printing Office. Within a wreath around the seal's edges is a symbolic strongbox, and lying beside the strongbox is a capable looking watchdog with his left front paw securely clasping a large key. The seal bears the lettering "U.S. Treasury." The key and scales are also incorporated in the official Treasury seal. The U.S. Mint did in fact have a real watchdog named Nero, originally purchased in 1793 for $3. According to department legend, Nero is the canine depicted. For more information, see here and here.
context_page_description: Symbols of the United States Department of the Treasury include the Flag of the Treasury Department and the U.S. Treasury Seal. The seal actually predates the department itself, having originated with the Board of Treasury during the period of the Articles of Confederation. The seal is used on all U.S. paper currency, and on official Treasury documents.
  The seal includes a chevron with thirteen stars, representing the original thirteen states. Above the chevron is a balance, representing justice. The key below the chevron represents authority and trust.
  The phrase THE DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY is around the rim, and 1789 is at the bottom. This inscription is in a Cheltanham Bold font.
context_section_description: The watchdog seal dates from around 1800.  Its origin is a matter of speculation, as is the extent of its use at the time.  It has long disappeared from Treasury documents, but the original plate of the seal is on deposit at the United States Government Printing Office.
  The seal contains a symbolic strongbox, with the Scales of Justice on top.  Lying beside the strongbox is a capable looking watchdog, with his left front paw securely clasping a large key. The seal bears the lettering "U.S. Treasury", and is bordered by a wreath.  The scales and the key are also incorporated on the official seal.
  The United States Mint did in fact own a real watchdog named Nero, who was originally purchased in 1793 for $3 and accompanied the night watchman on his rounds.  Treasury documents record further expenditures for Nero and successor watchdogs over the following twenty-five years, and currently Sherman.  According to department legend, Nero is the canine depicted on the seal, and may have been the origin (or at least the inspiration) of the term "Watchdog of the Treasury".
caption: Watchdog seal
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