The face of this original, rectangular cast brass Virginia CS belt plate has the Virginia state seal, which was created in 1776 after Virginia declared its independence from Great Britain. The images in the state seal are a female figure personifying the Roman virtue of Virtus, which was selected to represent the genius of the new Commonwealth. Virginia's Virtus is a figure of peace, standing in a pose which indicates a battle already won. She rests on her long spear, its point turned downward to the ground. Her other weapon, a parazonium, is sheathed; it is the sword of authority rather than that of combat.

Tyranny lies prostrate beneath the foot of Virtus, symbolizing Great Britain's defeat by Virginia. The royal crown which has fallen to the ground beside him symbolizes the new republic's release from the monarchical control of Great Britain. The broken chain in Tyranny's left hand represents Virginia's freedom from Britain's restriction of colonial trade and westward expansion. The useless whip in his right hand signifies Virginia's relief from the torturing whip of acts of punishment such as the Intolerable Acts. Surrounding the image are the Latin motto, “SIC SEMPER TYRANNIS” which means, “thus always to tyrants”.

The plate has a light patina, with some darkened spots and some light verdigris. Reverse of plate has a soldered small brass tongue and bar still attached. Bar still has the two retaining pins for attaching to a belt. No benchmark. Image and lettering are very clear with great detail. Edges are free of nicks or dents.

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