Today, the imperial crowns on each head stand for the unity and sovereignty of Russia, both as a whole and in its constituent republics and regions. The orb and scepter grasped in the eagle's talons are traditional heraldic symbols of sovereign power and authority.

«… a gold two-headed eagle with raised extended wings set against a four-cornered red heraldic shield with rounded lower corners. Two small crowns top the eagle's heads, with one large crown above them. The three crowns are linked by a ribbon. The eagle holds a sceptre in its right claw and an orb in its left claw.

Adopted by the Russian tsars in the 15th century, the double-headed eagle represents Russian statehood. In the 19th century, urban culture began to influence textile art in villages.

The most common version says that two heads of the eagle symbolize two parts of the world (Europe and Asia) on which Russia is situated, and their equal importance for the country. The sceptre (originally – mace, a striking weapon) symbolizes defense of sovereignty.