[1] In the first compartment there is a gules field that denotes strength, victory, daring, the equestrian statue in gold of D. José Ma.

Gold in heraldry symbolizes nobility, wealth, power, light, constancy and wisdom.

In the second compartment there is a gules field, three indigenous royal crowns in gold, symbolizing the three lordships into which Michoacán was divided before the Conquest.

The third compartment there is in natural colors, a gold field with a straight gear, signifying the harmonious union of effort in the ascension of progress; in the background, a diagram of blast furnaces, with a sea in the background, suggesting the vast steel and industrial panorama of Michoacán.

In the fourth field of gold, in natural colors: in the foreground and on a green terrace an open book - source of culture -; in the background, an architectural scheme of the University of Tiripetío, founded in 1540 by Friar Alonso de la Vera Cruz, Friar Diego Chávez y Alvarado and Friar Juan de San Ramón, precursor of the current Michoacana University of San Nicolás de Hidalgo, emporium of national intellectuality.