Gov. Tom Ridge selected a design that features Commonwealth, an allegorical female figure that is the subject of the statue that has sat atop the Pennsylvania Capitol dome in Harrisburg since May 25, 1905.

The 14-foot-6 inch bronze and gilded statue, facing west, balances on a gilt ball about 250 feet above street level. Her right arm extends in mercy. Her left arm grasps a ribboned mace to symbolize justice. Also included in the design are the state motto, "LIBERTY, INDEPENDENCE, VIRTUE" and an outline of the state and a keystone.