Crown (heraldry)

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Crown (heraldry) – short and simple

What it is
- In heraldry, a crown is a stylized image used on coats of arms and emblems to show authority, rank, or sovereignty. Some crowns mark a monarchy, while others are used by republics or organizations for symbolic meaning. Not every heraldic crown is based on a real crown; some are purely traditional designs.

How crowns are used
- As a crown above the shield (part of the crest) to indicate rank or sovereign status.
- As a decorative crown placed on the shield itself as a heraldic charge.
- Crowns can also be replaced by helmets or other headgear in some traditions.

Common types by rank (British and related heraldry)
- Royal crown: used for monarchs.
- Princely crown, ducal crown, marquess’s crown, earl’s crown, viscount’s crown, baron’s crown: each has a distinct design.
- Coronets: smaller headpieces worn by non-royal peers (dukes, marquesses, earls, viscounts, barons). The design (leaves, pearls, etc.) signals the wearer’s rank.

Town and civic crowns
- Mural crown: towers or battlements used for towns and some republics, symbolizing civic authority.

Other examples
- Naval crown: shown on the arms of ships and navies.
- Astral crown: used for air forces.
- Eastern crown: spikes, sometimes topped with stars.
- Wheat-sheaf crown: a special Scottish form used by some county units.

Continental and historical variations
- Continental heraldry includes many forms, and some crowns were created for ranks or titles that didn’t correspond to actual crowns.
- Helmets can sometimes substitute for crowns in certain traditions.

Commonwealth rules (brief)
- In Britain, “crown” usually means the monarch’s crown; “coronet” is used for other ranks.
- Coronets on heraldry show rank and are often placed between the shield and the helmet.
- Some countries (like Canada) use special coronets to mark certain lineages, such as United Empire Loyalists.

Examples
- The Crown of Saint Edward (St Edward’s Crown) is a famous symbol of the English monarchy.
- Heraldic crowns appear in many nations’ emblems, sometimes as exact replicas of real crowns and other times as symbolic designs.

Bottom line
- Crowns in heraldry are symbolic signs of authority and rank. They come in many forms and uses around the world, from exact royal representations to purely heraldic symbols.