The obverse design displays the Coat of Arms of Liberia; it features a shield displaying a picture of a 19th century ship arriving home (Liberia) - a symbol of the freed slaves brought back home from the United States, who founded the country. On a ribbon below the shield is the name of the country, REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA, and above is a scroll with the national motto: THE LOVE OF LIBERTY BROUGHT US HERE. Within the shield are several elements, including: a plough and spade (representing dignity and labour), a rising sun (the birth of a nation), a palm tree (prosperity), and a white flying dove with an open scroll in its claws (for peace). |