The New York state flag features the state arms on a field of deep blue (although the flag wasn't adopted until 1901, the New York state coat of arms was officially adopted in 1778).

The center shield displays a masted ship and a sloop on the Hudson River river (symbols of inland and foreign commerce), bordered by a grassy shore and a mountain range in the background with the sun rising behind it. A banner below shows the New York State motto (Excelsior, Latin for Ever Upward).

Liberty and Justice 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 state seal of New York also features the state coat of arms. See state seals and state flags for all 50 states.