What does the sovereign head hallmark mean?
Short answer
Sovereign's head: duty mark.
There are also optional commemorative heads (1934-35, 1952-53, 1977, 2002, 2012, 2022, 2023): the date letter tells them apart.
The stamp in detail
| Item | What the tables say |
|---|---|
| Stamp | sovereign head |
| Class | Hallmark symbol |
| Date clue | Not before 1784. The duty mark was struck from 1784 to 1890. |
Cautions
- There are also optional commemorative heads (1934-35, 1952-53, 1977, 2002, 2012, 2022, 2023): the date letter tells them apart.
- A mark is a statement, not proof: it can be forged or struck on a plated piece. An assay confirms it (touchstone and acids, or X-ray fluorescence).
Related stamps
Also in this group: lion passant, Britannia, leopard head, anchor, rose, castle, crown, orb.
Frequently asked
What does sovereign head mean on jewelry?
Sovereign's head: duty mark.
Is the sovereign head mark proof of the metal?
A mark is a statement, not proof: it can be forged or struck on a plated piece. An assay confirms it (touchstone and acids, or X-ray fluorescence).
Sources
- The Goldsmiths' Company Assay Office, History of hallmarking
- Silver Makers' Marks, date-letter tables by assay office
All sources are listed with the method on the sources page.