The current coat of arms of Venezuela was primarily approved by the Congress on April 18, 1836, undergoing small modifications through history, reaching the present version.

The coat of arms was established in the Law of the National Flag, Shield and Anthem (Ley de Bandera, Escudo e Himno Nacionales), passed on February 17, 1954, by the military governor of Venezuela, Marcos Pérez Jiménez.

In the dexter chief, on a red field, wheat represents the union of the 24 states of the Republic existing at the time and the wealth of the nation.

In sinister chief, on a yellow field, weapons (a sword, a sabre and three lances) and two national flags are tied by a branch of laurel, as a symbol of triumph in war.

Many critics have suggested that the horse, now running to the dexter (to the viewer's left) was a political statement of the left-wing government of President Hugo Chávez.