Stella quarta decima

Stella quarta decima (Latin for "The Fourteenth Star") is a motto appearing on Vermont copper coinage struck in 1785 and 1786. The coins were issued during the period when Vermont was an independent state (1777–1791), sometimes referred to as the Vermont Republic.

Vermont copper coinage with the motto STELLA QUARTA DECIMA.

The motto appears on the reverse of the coin and encircles a corona of 13 small stars representing the existing U.S. states, with a large central star with an eye contained within. The motto expresses the then independent state's aspiration to join the United States as the fourteenth. The United States Congress admitted Vermont into the Union, as the fourteenth state, on March 4, 1791.

"Stella quarta decima fulgeat" became the official state motto on April 10, 2015. The Latin words translate as "May the fourteenth star shine bright."

The adoption of the motto came with controversy as local news outlets' websites and facebook pages became flooded with comments upset that the motto was for Latinos.[1] The ignorance displayed in comments such as “We are thousands of miles from a Latino border? and this makes sense WHY? NO we should not” [2] was met with a measured response from Angela Kubicke, the high school student who proposed the motto. She called the internet reaction "a little bit appalling. It’s a lack of knowledge. I think that’s why this motto is very important. It sheds a light on the classics,” and stated further, “Maybe people will learn the difference between Rome and Mexico.”[3]

References
  1. Slane, Kevin. "Vermont Considers Latin State Motto, Commenters Freak Out About Latinos". BDCWire. Retrieved March 6, 2020.
  2. Thurston, Jack. "After confusion and controversy, Vermont gets new Latin motto". NBC5. Retrieved March 6, 2020.
  3. "Confused critics blast Latin motto plan". Burlington Free Press. February 6, 2015. Retrieved March 6, 2020.
  • de Albuquerque, Martin. Notes and Queries: Medium of Inter-Communication for Literary Men, Artists, Antiquaries, Genealogists, Etc. Bell & Daldy, London: 1862.
  • Doyle, William T. The Vermont Political Tradition and Those Who Helped Make It. Doyle Publisher: 1987. ISBN 0-9615486-1-4.
  • Mussey, Barrows. Vermont Heritage, a Picture Story. A.A. Wyn, Inc.: 1947.
  • Ryder, Hillyer. Colonial Coins of Vermont. Durst: 1982. ISBN 978-0-915262-65-6.


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