The Smithsonian Mace does not symbolize sovereign authority, as do most maces. Instead, it symbolizes knowledge, freedom, and progress, properties consistent with the egalitarian society of the United States. It also honors the Institution's founder, James Smithson. This paper describes the Smithsonian Mace in detail, providing a history of its creation and symbolic references for each of its key elements. Its creation commemorated James Smithson's bicentennial, in 1965. It was created by Leslie Durbin, an English artist-goldsmith, out of raw materials provided by the Smithsonian in 1964. The mace is displayed in the crypt of the Smithsonian Castle.