"TO BE, RATHER THAN TO SEEM"

Hand-crafted from start to finish, this stamped coin features the Latin phrase ESSE QUAM VIDERI, which means “To be, rather than to seem.”

ESSE QUAM VIDERI is the state motto of our neighbor, North Carolina, and the phrase originated with Cicero's essay "Friendship." The English word "essence" comes from the Latin root ESSE and describes something's intrinsic nature that determines its character. Many wear disguises we have all learned at some point. This motto is a call to live out life as your true self, rather than create a mask to hide behind, and to define your character by shaping and showing your fundamental nature. If you feel that your natural state of being is not up to your own standards, this phrase can serve as encouragement to grow into the person that you want to be. Some loose English translations of the motto could be "walk the walk," "practice what you preach," or even simply "embody your words." Only someone who is fully honest with themselves and others and embraces their true character has the power to affect the world around them.

"What we are communicates far more eloquently than anything we say or do." ~Stephen Covey