Nil sine numine (Latin "Nothing without God") is a state motto of Colorado. The Latin phrase appears to be an adaptation from Virgil's "Aeneid" where in Book II, line 777 the words "...non haec sine numine devum eveniunt" are found. Latin was the language originally spoken in the region around Rome called Latium. ... Here is a list of state mottos for the states of the United States. ... Official language(s) English Capital Denver Largest city Denver Area  Ranked 8th  - Total 104,185 sq mi (269,837 km²)  - Width 280 miles (451 km)  - Length 380 miles (612 km)  - % water 0. ... A sculpture of Virgil, probably from the 1st century AD. For other uses, see Virgil (disambiguation). ... For the group of nine Ancient Egyptian deities, see Ennead. ...

The Colorado Department of Personnel and Administration said about the translation of the motto: "At recurring intervals, discussion has ensued concerning interpretation of this Latin phrase which commonly translated is "'Nothing without Providence'". Others say it is "Nothing without God". In the early mining days of the State, the unregenerate said it meant "nothing without a new mine". In a strict sense, one cannot possibly get "God" from "numine", God being a purely Anglo-Saxon word. The word "numine" means any divinity, god or goddess. The best evidence of intent of Colorado's official designers and framers of the resolution for adoption of the seal is contained in the committee report wherein clear distinction was made between "numine" and "Deo" and it specifically states that the committee's interpretative translation was "Nothing without the Deity".

The motto appeared when Colorado's first Territorial Governor William Gilpin asked the Secretary of the Territory, L. C. Weld for a suitable motto for the state seal. According to the story, Weld said: "Well, Governor, what would you suggest?" Governor is said to have paused in thought for a moment and then responded "Nil Sine Numine". On November 6, 1861 by Joint Resolution the First Territorial Assembly adopted the motto with the territorial seal. The Reverend William Gilpin (1724-1804) was an English clergyman, schoolmaster and author, best known as one of the originators of the idea of the picturesque. ... The circular Seal of the State of Colorado is an adaptation of the Territorial Seal which was adopted by the First Territorial Assembly on November 6, 1861. ... November 6 is the 310th day of the year (311th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 55 days remaining. ... 1861 is a common year starting on Tuesday. ...

It is also of interest "The Luttrell Psalter", a famous medieval manuscript dated by the 14th century, contains inside its binding an armorial bookplate of Thomas Weld (1750 - 1810) of Lulworth Castle, one of the book's owners, and the motto on the plate's ribbon reads "nil sine numine".