Coat of arms of Ecuador

Coat of Arms of Ecuador Escudo de Armas del Ecuador
Details
Adopted	October 31, 1900
Crest	Andean Condor, facing left
Escutcheon	The Guayas River originating from the base of the Chimborazo volcano, symbolizing the beauty and wealth of Costa and Sierra, respectively. The Caduceus represents trade and economy. On top a golden sun surrounded by astrological signs representing the months March to July, symbolizing the duration of the March Revolution of 1845
Supporters	Two flags and two standards on each side.
Other elements	The ship on the river is the Guayas, the first seaworthy steamer built on the west coast of South America
Earlier versions	1845

The coat of arms of Ecuador (Spanish: Escudo de armas del Ecuador) in its current form was established in 1900 based on an older version of 1845.

Blazon

In the background of the oval shield is the mount Chimborazo, while the river originating from its base represents the Guayas. They both symbolize the beauty and wealth of the respective regions (Sierra or Costa). The ship on the river is named Guayas as well. In 1841 it was built in Guayaquil and was the first seaworthy steamship built on the South American west coast. Instead of a mast it features a Caduceus representing trade and economy. On top a golden sun surrounded by the astrological signs for Aries, Taurus, Gemini and Cancer representing the months March to July to symbolize the duration of the March Revolution of 1845.

The condor on top of thea shield stretches his wings to symbolize power, greatness and strength of Ecuador. The shield is flanked by four flags of Ecuador. The laurel on the left represents the victories of the republic.^[1] The palm leaf on the right side is a symbol of the martyrs of the fight for independence and liberty. The Fasces below the shield represents the republican dignity.

History

The shield was introduced after the victory of the liberal revolution of 1845, but then flanked by white-blue-white flags; which were then replaced in the reintroduction of the Tricolor flags. The coat of arms in its current form was approved by congress on October 31, 1900.

Free Province of Guayaquil	Gran Colombia	Ecuador	Ecuador	Ecuador	Ecuador	Ecuador
1820	1821–1830	1830–1835	1835–1843	1843–1845	1845–1900	1900–present

Usage

2 Sucres in Silver, 1944

The coat of arms is used by the President, the parliament, the ministries and several other authorities and public institutions. It is part of the flag, and used on many coins and bills of the former currency Sucre and the coins used today, Centavos del dólar of Ecuadorian mintage.

Notes

1. ^ Other descriptions attribute it to the symbolism of the glory of the heroes of independence.

External links

• Coat of Arms description on the Ecuadorian Government's Webpage (Spanish)
• http://estrada.bz/escudo_del_ecuador.htm *[Ecuadorian historian's Webpage] (Spanish)