My first's the heart of honest trade

Puzzle

My first's the heart of honest trade,
When 'tis judiciously displayed;
But when 'tis of it's head bereft,
It then becomes a public theft.

Hint

Answer

References

• Loyd, Sam [1914]. in Loyd, Sam, Jr.: Sam Loyd's Cyclopedia of 5000 Puzzles Tricks and Conundrums (in English). New York: Lamb Publishing company, page 10.