Coat of arms of Colombia
The coat of arms of Colombia contains a shield with numerous symbols. Perched on top of the shield is an Andean condor, symbolizing freedom, holding an olive crown. The national motto, "Libertad y Orden", is written in black on a golden scroll, waving in between the condor and the shield. The condor is looking to its right with its wings extended.
Description
The national flag is draped on each side of the shield. The shield is broken into three portions. In the lowermost portion is a depiction of two ships, indicating the maritime history of Colombia — mainly to the Isthmus of Panama — which was part of Colombia until 1903. Nowadays, it represents the two oceans that border the country. The sails symbolize the Colombian commerce with the rest of the world and the rising economy. In the middle section, over a field of silver, the Phrygian cap is presented, it being a traditional symbol of liberty and freedom. The topmost section contains a pomegranate over an azure field, as a symbol of the Viceroyalty of New Granada, in the middle flanked by two cornucopias: the left one with golden and silver coins and the right one with tropical fruits, representing the mineral and agricultural wealth of Colombian soil.The coat of arms of the Republic was designed by Francisco de Paula Santander, and was adopted via Act 3 of 9 May 1834, with later non-essential modifications according to Ordinance 861 of 1924.