The state seal of New York features the state arms (officially adopted in 1778) surrounded by the words "State of New York". A banner below shows the New York State motto Excelsior, Latin for "Ever Upward".

Allegorical figures of Liberty (left) and Justice (right) support the shield and an American eagle spreads its wings above on a world globe. Liberty's left foot treads on a crown, a symbol of freedom from the Kingdom of Great Britain. Justice is blindfolded and holds a sword in one hand and a scale in the other, symbolizing impartiality and fairness.

The center shield displays a masted ship and a sloop on the Hudson River (symbols of inland and foreign commerce) bordered by a grassy shore and a mountain range with the sun rising behind it.

The first seal of New York State was created by a committee appointed April 15, 1777,