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What Is the Trial of the Pyx?
By GovMint:
Minting over 3 billion coins and coin blanks a year, The Royal Mint produces money of all sizes, denominations, and mintages. With their coin press machines capable of minting up to 100 commemorative coins an hour, everything must function perfectly to create consistent quality. The Royal Mint has proven its dedication to craftsmanship and uniformity by participating in the Trial of the Pyx, a rigorous examination of randomly selected coins in each denomination to ensure all minting standards are met. The long-held Pyx trial occurs annually and takes up to three months from start to final verdict. Once all the coins have been reviewed, the trial's verdict is read aloud to gathered officials, including the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Deputy Master of The Royal Mint.
With more than 700 years of Pyx trials, this process is not only held in high national regard but also steeped in rich history. Discover more about the Trial of the Pyx, the pyx meaning, and how this event ensures trust among citizens today.
What Is Pyx?
While some may know what the Trial of the Pyx is, many are unfamiliar with the term “pyx” itself. For the trial, coin samples are gathered throughout the year and held in a pyx, meaning the dedicated and secured containment box. Pyx derives from the Latin word “pyxis,” which translates to small box. Additionally, when the trial first began, the box was held in the Pyx chamber of Westminster Abbey.
What Is the History of the Trial of the Pyx?
The very first Pyx trial was held in 1282 during the reign of Edward I, making it one of the oldest current judicial ceremonies in the nation. This formal court proceeding was first held after the monarchy scrutinized the quality of circulating coins. While the Trial of the Pyx started with participation from an even mix of London citizens and qualified goldsmiths, the trial participants changed under Elizabeth I. Elizabeth I was the first to give a company responsibility for hosting the trial and providing jurors in 1580.
The Trial of the Pyx experienced a significant change with the 1870 Coinage Act. This Act declared Goldsmith’s Hall in London as the new official venue for the event every year. This change was well received as composition testing, one of the many tests held during the trial, was led by the Goldsmiths’ Company Assay Office within the same building.
Where Did This Year’s Trial of the Pyx Take Place?
This year’s Pyx trial was held, as it is every year, in London. Goldsmiths’ Hall has hosted the event since 1871.
What Is the Process Behind the Coin Inspections During the Trial?
The trial always begins with a pyx (meaning small box), jurors, copper bowls, and scales. Packets of 50 coins lie within the pyx, representing at least one coin from every denomination minted throughout the year (including commemorative and bullion coins). Each packet is then distributed to a juror, when one coin is randomly selected out of the packet and placed in a ceremonial copper bowl. This coin will then go through rigorous testing while the rest are returned for counting.
During the Trial of the Pyx, jurors examine coins for consistency and fineness. The National Weights & Measures Laboratory produces the testing scales used. Over three months, the coins are weighed individually and in bulk, tested for metal composition, and measured for accurate diameters. Any fluctuations in the tested coins must fall within the legal tolerance allowed by law to pass the trial.
Who Participates in the Trial of the Pyx?
Participating in the Trial of the Pyx is an honor as this is considered a highly prestigious event. Jurors from the Goldsmiths’ Company and the Goldsmiths’ Company Assay Office lead the evaluations, which are completely independent of The Royal Mint. A senior judge, known as the King’s Remembrancer, presides over the proceedings. As mentioned above, the final verdict is announced with the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Deputy Master of The Royal Mint present. Public observers may view the distribution of coins to the jurors at the beginning of the trial in Goldsmith’s Hall.
The Royal Mint: A Standard of Excellence
Minting billions of coins each year, The Royal Mint has always maintained the highest standards as ensured by the historic Trial of the Pyx. Citizens can spend their money comfortably knowing every coin is composed of the same metal. Meanwhile, collectors can breathe easy knowing every bullion and limited-edition coin minted by The Royal Mint is of consistent quality.
In addition to manufacturing coins for active circulation, The Royal Mint also produces highly collectible and sought-after designs such as The Queen’s Beasts series and The Lion and The Eagle. Discover more about The Royal Mint coin collections over the years with our Complete Guide to The Royal Mint.
References
Trial of the Pyx
https://www.royalmint.com/discover/uk-coins/history-of-the-trial-of-the-pyx/
https://www.thegoldsmiths.co.uk/the-trial-of-the-pyx
https://www.nature.com/articles/001429b0
History of the Trial of the Pyx
https://www.royalmint.com/discover/uk-coins/history-of-the-trial-of-the-pyx/
https://www.thegoldsmiths.co.uk/the-trial-of-the-pyx
https://www.royalmintmuseum.org.uk/journal/history/trial-of-the-pyx/
Learn More - The Royal Mint
https://www.govmint.com/coin-authority/post/complete-guide-to-the-royal-mint
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