The tablet reads "July IV MDCCLXXVI"

The tablet in the Statue of Liberty's left hand displays the date of American independence in Roman numerals: July IV MDCCLXXVI, which translates to July 4, 1776. The sculptor, Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, chose Roman numerals to give the monument a classical, timeless appearance rather than using standard Arabic numerals.

The tablet is made of copper, the same material as the statue's exterior, though it has oxidized to the same blue-green patina that covers the rest of the monument. The numerals are raised on the tablet's surface, making them visible from a distance even though most visitors cannot read them clearly without binoculars or a photograph.

The tablet's placement in Liberty's left hand is deliberate. While her right arm holds the torch pointing toward the future, her left hand holds the tablet representing the founding moment—a visual balance between looking forward and remembering the past.

Key Takeaways

  • The tablet displays July 4, 1776, written as "July IV MDCCLXXVI" in Roman numerals.
  • Roman numerals were chosen by the sculptor to create a classical, monumental appearance.
  • The tablet is made of copper and has weathered to match the statue's blue-green patina.
  • The raised numerals are difficult to read from ground level without magnification or a close-up photograph.
  • The tablet's position in Liberty's left hand symbolizes the founding date, while the torch in her right hand points toward the future.

Why Bartholdi chose Roman numerals

Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, the French sculptor who designed the Statue of Liberty, selected Roman numerals to connect the monument to classical antiquity and democratic ideals. Roman numerals appear on important historical documents and monuments throughout Europe, lending authority and permanence to a date or inscription.

Using Roman numerals also solved a practical problem: they are more compact than written-out words or Arabic numerals, and they fit the tablet's proportions without looking cramped. The choice reinforced the statue's role as a timeless symbol rather than a product of a specific era or style.

How to read the Roman numerals

Roman numeral notation uses letters to represent values: I = 1, V = 5, X = 10, L = 50, C = 100, D = 500, and M = 1,000. When a smaller numeral appears before a larger one, you subtract it; when it appears after, you add it.

Breaking down the tablet's inscription: MDCCLXXVI = M (1,000) + D (500) + CC (200) + LXX (70) + VI (6) = 1,776. The "July IV" portion uses the Roman numeral for 4 (IV) to represent the fourth day of July.

The tablet's condition and visibility

The tablet has weathered more than 140 years of exposure to salt spray, rain, and temperature changes. Like the rest of the statue, it is covered in a protective layer of copper oxide—the blue-green patina that forms naturally on exposed copper. This patina actually protects the underlying metal from further corrosion.

From the ground or from the ferry, the tablet is nearly impossible to read without binoculars or a telephoto lens. Most visitors learn what it says from guidebooks, museum displays, or photographs rather than from viewing it directly on the monument. The National Park Service and the Statue of Liberty Museum provide close-up images and explanations for those who want to see the details.

What the tablet symbolizes

The tablet represents the founding document and the birth of the nation. By holding it in her left hand while raising the torch with her right, Liberty embodies both memory and progress—honoring where the nation came from while illuminating the path forward.

The date itself, July 4, 1776, marks the Declaration of Independence, the document that announced the thirteen colonies' separation from British rule. Bartholdi's choice to inscribe this specific date on the tablet made the statue not just a gift of friendship but a monument to American independence itself.

Comparing the tablet to other Liberty monuments

The Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor is the most famous, but smaller replicas exist in other locations. Some replicas include the tablet with the same Roman numerals, while others omit it or modify the inscription. The original tablet design has become so iconic that it is when ready recognizable as part of the Statue of Liberty's identity.

The tablet also appears in countless photographs, paintings, and artistic renderings of the statue. It has been featured on U.S. currency, postage stamps, and official seals, making the date MDCCLXXVI one of the most reproduced Roman numeral inscriptions in the world.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you see the tablet clearly from the pedestal or crown?

From the pedestal level, the tablet is visible but the numerals are still small and difficult to read without magnification. Visitors who climb to the crown get a better angle and closer view, though the patina and distance still make reading it challenging without binoculars or a camera zoom.

Has the tablet ever been cleaned or restored?

The statue underwent a major restoration from 1986 to 1986 in preparation for its centennial. During that work, the exterior was cleaned and inspected, but the patina—including on the tablet—was preserved as part of the statue's historical character. The tablet itself was not altered.

What would the date be in Arabic numerals?

MDCCLXXVI converts to 1776 in Arabic numerals. The full inscription "July IV MDCCLXXVI" would read "July 4, 1776" in modern notation. Bartholdi chose the Roman numeral format to give the monument a classical, enduring appearance.

Is the tablet a separate piece attached to the statue?

The tablet is not a separate attachment. It is part of the statue's overall copper structure, with the numerals raised or embossed into the surface. It was created as an integral part of the design during the statue's original construction in France.