O.T. Query: back of U.S. one-dollar bill

[Barbara Need]

>   The back of a U.S. dollar bill has two circles; I never paid much
>attention to the contents of the one on the left, but today I was
>asked about them:
>
>1) What does the pyramid symbolize?
>2) What is the symbolism of the eye in the triangle (with the
>triangle seemingly being the top of the pyramid but for some reason
>detached from it)?
>3) What exactly does the Latin "Annuit Coeptis" mean?
>4) What exactly is the meaning of the Latin "Novus Ordo Seclorum"? It
>looks like "New Order of the Ages," but what exactly does this mean?
>
>    I'd be grateful for any clarification.
>
>Gerald Cohen

 From the Bureau of Printing and Engraving webpage

The two circles are the Great Seal. The one you have questions about
is described below:

The reverse, sometimes referred to as the spiritual side of the seal,
contains the 13-step pyramid with the year 1776 in Roman numerals on
the base. At the summit of the pyramid is the Eye of Providence in a
triangle surrounded by a Glory (rays of light) and above it appears
the motto Annuit Coeptis, or "He (God) has favored our undertakings."
Along the lower circumference of the design appear the words Novus
Ordo Seclorum, or "A new order of the ages," heralding the beginning
of the new American era in 1776.

If you are interested in a more detailed history of the Great Seal of
the United States, you should contact the U.S. Department of State
directly.

http://www.bep.treas.gov/document.cfm/18/120

My understanding is that at least some of this symbolism is Masonic.

Barbara