The coat of arms of Puerto Rico was first granted by the Spanish Crown on November 8, 1511, making it the oldest heraldic achievement in use in the Americas.

[1] The territory was seized from Spain and ceded to the United States as a result of the Treaty of Paris that put an end to the Spanish–American War in 1899, after which two interim arms were adopted briefly.

Despite Puerto Rico being a US territory, the shield continues to have elements reminiscent of Spain's presence in the New World.

[3] The current version was officially readopted by the government of Puerto Rico on 3 June 1976.Symbol traditionally associated with Jesus Christ (Angus Dei).

In the seal, the lamb, which no longer has a halo, carries a white banner instead of one with a Red Cross.