Vermont copper coinage with the motto STELLA QUARTA DECIMA.

Stella quarta decima (Latin for "The Fourteenth Star") is a motto appearing on Vermont copper coinage struck in 1785 and 1786. The coins were issued during the period when Vermont was an independent state (1777–1791), sometimes referred to as the Vermont Republic.

The motto appears on the reverse of the coin and encircles a corona of 13 small stars representing the existing U.S. states, with a large central star with an eye contained within. The motto expresses the then independent state's aspiration to join the United States as the fourteenth. The United States Congress admitted Vermont into the Union, as the fourteenth state, on March 4, 1791.

Usage in Latin motto

On April 10, 2015, an extended version of the phrase, "Stella quarta decima fulgeat," became the official state Latin motto. The Latin words translate as "May the fourteenth star shine bright."[1]

References

  1. ↑ Jack Thurston (April 10, 2015). "After Confusion and Controversy, Vermont Gets New Latin Motto". 2015-04-10. NECN. Retrieved January 19, 2021. Vermont has a new, secondary state motto, after authorization Friday from Gov. Peter Shumlin, a Democrat. The Latin phrase "Stella quarta decima fulgeat," or "May the fourteenth star shine bright," became the state's official Latin motto.
  • de Albuquerque, Martin. Notes and Queries: Medium of Inter-Communication for Literary Men, Artists, Antiquaries, Genealogists, Etc. Bell & Daldy, London: 1862.
  • Doyle, William T. The Vermont Political Tradition and Those Who Helped Make It. Doyle Publisher: 1987. ISBN 0-9615486-1-4.
  • Mussey, Barrows. Vermont Heritage, a Picture Story. A.A. Wyn, Inc.: 1947.
  • Ryder, Hillyer. Colonial Coins of Vermont. Durst: 1982. ISBN 978-0-915262-65-6.


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