Colorado State Motto – Nil Sine Numine

Nil Sine Numine Meaning - State of Colorado Motto

On the official State Seal of Colorado, the Latin Phrase “Nil Sine Numine” can be found on a white banner just above the date “1876”. 

Because the phrase Nil Sine Numine is Latin in origin, the translation has two meanings in the English language. The first translation means “Nothing Without Providence” and the second interpretation means “Nothing Without God”.

The state seal and phrase was officially adopted in 1877, just one year after Colorado became a State in 1876. 

Nil Sine Numine Meaning

According to the State of Colorado, the Latin phrase ‘”Nil Sine Numine”‘, was adopted as a part of the ‘original’ Territorial Seal.”

Ongoing “discussion has ensued concerning ‘the’ interpretation of this Latin phrase which commonly translated is “Nothing without Providence”. Others say it is “Nothing without God”.

In the early mining days of the State, the unregenerate said it meant “nothing without a new mine”. The best evidence of ‘the’ intent of Colorado’s official designers and framers of the resolution for adoption of the seal is contained in the committee report wherein clear distinction was made between “Numine” and “Deo” and it is specifically states that the committee’s interpretative translation was “Nothing without the Deity”.’  

“State Motto.” Archives, 17 May 2017, www.colorado.gov/pacific/archives/state-motto.

Share Colorado State Seal on Social -

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Pinterest

More Fun Facts About Colorado

Tallest building in Colorado

Tallest Building in Colorado – Republic Plaza

Built-in “1984”, the tallest building in Colorado is the Republic Plaza Building located in Downtown Denver. The building is 56 stories, and over 714 feet tall. This Denver Skyscraper can be found at 370 17th St, Denver, CO 80202, along

Read More »
Yule Marble Found In Colorado

Colorado Rock – Yule Marble

STATE ROCK OF COLORADO – YULE MARBLE One of the most iconic symbols of the United State comes from Yule Creek Valley in Marble, Colorado. This white marble is only found in the Elk Mountains of Colorado at over 7,990 ft

Read More »
Coeur d'Alene Mine Central City

Pikes Peak Gold Rush

Idaho Springs and Central City Colorado The Pikes Peak Gold Rush was a major event and milestone in Colorado and American history. It was triggered by the discovery of gold in the Colorado Territory in 1858, which led to a

Read More »

Native Tribes in Colorado

Colorado was originally home to numerous Native American Tribes including the Cheyenne, Arapaho, Kiowa, Ute, Navajo, Apache, Shoshone, Comanche, and Pueblo Indians. Today, only “the Southern Ute Tribe and the Mountain Ute Tribe” are Federally recognized in the State of

Read More »
colorado quarter

Colorado Quarter

The Colorado quarter was issued as part of the United States Mint’s 50 State Quarters Program. This program released commemorative quarters representing each of the 50 states in the United States, including the District of Columbia and the U.S. territories.

Read More »

More Fun Facts About Colorado

Colorado National Parks

National Parks In Colorado – 4 Parks

The Colorado National Parks List includes: 1) Black Canyon Of The Gunnison: Montrose, CO. Great Sand Dunes National Historic and Preserve: Mosca, CO. 3) Mesa Verde National Park: Cortez and Mancos, CO. 4) Rocky Mountain

Read More »
Yule Marble Found In Colorado

Colorado Rock – Yule Marble

STATE ROCK OF COLORADO – YULE MARBLE One of the most iconic symbols of the United State comes from Yule Creek Valley in Marble, Colorado. This white marble is only found in the Elk Mountains of

Read More »

Arkansas River – Longest River In Colorado

By geographic distance, the longest river across the State of Colorado is the Arkansas River. Although the Rio Grande River is longer in total length (1890-miles), the Arkansas River covers a larger surface area within

Read More »

Leave a Comment

Scroll to Top