The Great Seal of the State of Montana was adopted in 1865, when Montana was a United State Territory. When it became a state in 1889, it was decided to use the same seal. In 1891, proposals where made to make changes or adopt a brand new seal. None of these proposals passed legislation. The outer ring of the seal contains the text "The Great Seal of the State of Montana". The inner circle contains a shovel, a pick, and a plow could symbolize Montana's agricultural and mineral wealth. The banner at the bottom of the seal reads the territorial motto of "Oro y Plata", meaning "Gold and Silver".
