Adopted in late 1971, this Bahamian coat of arms replaced the original design assigned by Britain back in 1728.


The National Coat of Arms is a sign of identity and legitimate stamp of authority. The fundamental parts of the Coat of Arms are, the Shield upon which the charges are placed, the Crest, the Supporter, the Helmet, the Mantling, and the Motto. At the base is a scroll upon which is inscribed the National Motto: "Forward, Upward, Onward, Together"


The present Coat of Arms officially replaced the previous one which was granted by Royal Warrant on June 5th, 1959. It is a distinguished symbol of the Bahamian people, designed by a native son of The Bahamas, and approved by Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II on December 7th, 1971 for use by the Bahamian People and the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.


Mr. Hervis L. Bain Junior designed the National Coat of Arms. He is a graduate of St. Johns College, Nassau and Nova Scotia College of Art. He is also a graduate of the Art Administration Institute of Harvard University. Mr. Bain is an internationally recognized artist whose works have been exhibited in Canada, The United States of America, Mexico and The Caribbean.
The conch shell, palm leaves, sun, Christopher Columbus’ ship, blue marlin, and flamingo are a part of the Bahamian experience and are therefore relevant symbols for The Bahamas and the Bahamian people.



Source: The Bahamas Ministry of Education