The coat of arms is encircled by the Latin text "Sigillum Reipublicæ Massachusettensis" (literally, The Seal of the Republic of Massachusetts).

[2] An official emblem of the state, the coat of arms was adopted by the Legislature in 1775 and then reaffirmed by Governor John Hancock and his Council in 1780.

[5] In June 1676, during King Philip's War, the Bay Colony ordered an updated version of this seal stamped onto medallions which were issued to Indian Christians fighting on behalf of Boston.

The gradual loss of the missionary message was part of a pattern throughout the British colonies at this time, as the experience of war dampened enthusiasm for conversion and integration.

The source is attributed to the letter written by a father of an English soldier and politician Algernon Sidney: "It is said that the University of Copenhagen brought their album unto you, desiring you to write something therein; and that you did scribere in albo these words: 'Manus haec inimica tyrannis ense petit placidam sub libertate quietem'".

This comes from the Book of Mottoes in the Royal Danish Library in Copenhagen, Denmark, written about 1659 by Algernon Sydney, an English soldier and politician.

A number of lawmakers and Massachusetts residents, including some Native Americans, have called for the imagery on the state seal to be changed.

[8][9] American vexillologist Ted Kaye noted that the sword symbolizes liberty from the British and was "not meant to be oppressing the Indian," though "certainly that's how people perceive it.

"[10] On January 11, 2021, Governor Charlie Baker signed a bill establishing a commission to change the state flag and seal.