The patent for the first Rothschild coat of arms was granted in 1817, the English grant of arms was 1818, and the Austrian Barony granted by Imperial Decree in 1822. The Rothschild crest has had slight variations over time and even had four arrows in the beginning. The important five arrows depicted on the shield soon appeared though, representing the five Rothschild brothers who were dispersed around Europe by their father Mayer Amschel Rothschild to grow the family banking interests.
The motto on the bottom of the coat of arms says: Concordia, Integritas, Industria. This is Latin for Harmony, Integrity, Industry.
Other elements of the Rothschild coat of arms include a six pointed star, an eagle and three ostrich feathers across the crest. On the shield in the center is an eagle, a lion, and two arms holding five arrows. Supporting the shield to the left and right is a lion and a unicorn.
The first application for the coat of arms submitted by the brothers was said to be too grand and changes were made. Salomon Rothschild submitted the following description in 1816.
First quarter, an eagle sable surcharged in dexter by a field gules (referring to the Imperial and Royal Austrian Coat of Arms); Second quarter, gules, a leopard passant proper (referring to the English Coat of Arms); Third quarter, a lion rampant (referring to the Hessian Electoral Coat of Arms); Fourth quarter, azure, an arm bearing five arrows (a symbol of the unity of the five brothers). In the centre of the coat a shield gules. Right hand supporter, a greyhound, a symbol of loyalty; left supporter, a stork, a symbol of piety and content. Crest: a coronet surmounted by the lion of Hesse.
The first designs granted had just four arrows as Nathan Rothschild chose not to accept the nobility. The five arrows were soon returned to the Rothschild coat of arms though.
Here’s some Business quotes by Lord Jacob Rothschild or more on the Rothschild family here.