The Coat of Arms for the City of Dayton was designed in 1935 by Harold Coffman Harlan, Registered Architect, to be used as the official insignia or seal of the City. The following is a description of the Coat of Arms as presented by Mr. Harlan. 

Enclosed in a Golden Circular Band, a Shield was crested with a top of gold leaves and rosettes.

The Shield Divided:

Blazoned on a Chief of Red, five Stars of gold, representing the five City Commissioners; the center star larger, honoring the Mayor.

The Dexter Honor:

Blazoned on a field of black, a gear in gold, representing the Manufacturing industry.

Sinister Honor:

Blazoned on a field of blue, a pair of wings in gold, representing Aviation.

Dexter Base:

Blazoned on a field of purple, a lighted lamp of gold, representing the Cultural Activities.

Sinister Base:

Blazoned on a field of green, a replica of the Newcom Tavern in gold, representing the pioneer settlement of Dayton.

At the Fesse Point, a gold circle embossed with a gold star, honoring the City Manager.

The top of the Crest and the Base Point extend over the golden circular band and are embossed upon its surface.

Embossed upon the surface of the golden circular band:

• In the upper half of the inscription “THE CITY OF DAYTON OHIO”
• In the lower half of the inscription “INCORPORATED A.D. 1805”

Also blazoned below the Newcom Tavern, on the Sinister Base, the inscription “1796.”

All Stars shall be five pointed stars.