Why was the leopard's head uncrowned?

[Elena Russ]

Hi, dear sirs!

I know the leopard's head on the stamp of London was crowned in 1478 year in connection the establishment of Assay Office. But why was it uncrowned in 1821 year? Thank you in advance.
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[Granmaa]

A good question!
Jackson's says on p.67 "The reason for the loss of the crown to the leopard's head in 1821-22 has not yet been established.

I believe that the leopard's head of the Newcastle assay office retained its crown beyond this date.

Miles

[techsol]

Just a thought, could it be that in this year the duty payment went to parliament rather than to the monarch?

[Granmaa]

Touching Gold and Silver p.91 suggests that it was one of the many subtle hallmark differences introduced to prevent forgery.

Miles
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