The coat of arms of Uruguay was first adopted by law on March 19, 1829, by the General Constituent Assembly. Later on it had some minor modifications in 1906 and 1908. It was supposedly designed by Juan Manuel Besnes Irigoyen.
Description and meaning It consists of an oval shield, which is divided into four equal sections and crowned by a rising golden sun, the Sun of May, symbolizing the rising of the Uruguayan nation and the May Revolution. The oval is surrounded by a laurel branch on the left and an olive one on the right, symbolising triumph and peace respectively, tied at the bottom by a light blue ribbon, the former uruguayan cockade.
In the upper left quarter there is a golden scale on a blue background, symbol of equality and justice.
The upper right quarter contains the Cerro de Montevideo (Montevideo Hill) with its fortress on top on a silver background, as a symbol of strength.
In the lower left, also on a silver background, there is a galloping black horse, symbolizing liberty.
The lower right quarter holds a golden ox on blue background, as a symbol of abundance and plenty.
Modifications From 1829 the coat of arms was ornamented with multiple Uruguayan Flags on each side and weapons. The wreath was made of oak. In 1906 the design was simplified and standardized by law, eliminating all ornaments.
Historical coats of arms
Departamental shields
See also Flag of Uruguay
References
Sources Heraldry of the World: Uruguay FlagsoftheWorld.com: Uruguay coat of arms