In Númenor, the power of the Kings and Queens was symbolised by a Sceptre, held by Elros Tar-Minyatur and his descendants until the time of Ar-Pharazôn.

Among the early Kings, it was normal to voluntarily surrender the Sceptre to the heir, but this tradition was abandoned in later years. Ar-Pharazôn carried the Sceptre with him when he sailed to attack Valinor, and it was lost with the King and all his armies.

In Middle-earth, however, the exiled Númenóreans maintained their tradition, and their High King held the Sceptre of Annúminas, which had been the symbol of the Lords of Andúnië in Númenor.