Sceptre of Númenor

In Númenor, the power of the Kings and Queens was symbolised not by a crown, but by a Sceptre, held by Elros Tar-Minyatur and all his ruling descendants to the time of Ar-Pharazôn. Among the early Kings, it was normal to voluntarily surrender the Sceptre to an Heir, but this tradition was abandoned in later years. Ar-Pharazôn carried the Sceptre with him when he sailed to attack Blessed Realm, and it was lost with the King and all his armies. In Middle-earth, the exiled Númenóreans maintained this tradition, and their High King held the Sceptre of Annúminas, which had been the symbol of the Lords of Andúnië in Númenor.