New Jersey's state seal was designed by Pierre Eugene du Simitiere and presented in May of 1777. There are several state symbols included in the seal. The horse head stands for speed and strength, and is the state animal. The helmet of a knight's suit of armor faces forward representing sovereignty for a state that governs itself. Below the helmet is a shield with three plows on it. The plows show the importance of agriculture to the state's economic power.

The female figures pictured in the state seal are Liberty on the left, carrying the liberty cap on her staff. The liberty cap was worn as a symbol of rebellion by patriots in the colonies. Ceres, the Roman goddess of grain is on the right. She holds a cornucopia filled with harvested produce, symbolizing abundance. Below it all is a banner with the state's motto, "Liberty and Prosperity".