Sixpences made from recycled silver cause a stir at the Trial of the Pyx
The Royal Mint has today submitted 6,432 coins for testing at the UK’s oldest judicial ceremony, the Trial of the Pyx. They have been checked for fineness and quality by an independent jury made up of members of the Goldsmiths’ Company, before undergoing scientific analysis by the London Assay Office ahead of the Verdict in May.
A highlight of this year’s submission is a silver sixpence made from silver recovered from expired medical and industrial x-ray films – their production forms part of the Mint’s overall commitment to a sustainable future across its businesses.
Caption: Silver sixpence made from silver recovered from expired medical and industrial x-ray films (Photography: Paul Read)
London, 14:00 Tuesday 11 February 2025: The Royal Mint has today submitted 6,432 coins for testing at the UK’s oldest judicial ceremony, the Trial of the Pyx, held at Goldsmiths’ Hall in the City of London since 1871.
The 776-year-old ceremony aims to protect consumers by upholding the quality of the nation’s coinage through rigorous testing – as important today as it was at the first recorded public trial in 1248. The process ensures that the coins produced by The Royal Mint meet the standards of precision, accuracy and exceptional craftsmanship for which it is internationally renowned.
A highlight of this year’s submission is a silver sixpence made from silver recovered from expired medical and industrial x-ray films. Released by The Royal Mint to promote the revival of “Stir Up Sunday” – a Victorian tradition where a silver sixpence would be placed into the Christmas pudding mix, before family members took turns to stir the pudding and make a wish – their production forms part of the Mint’s overall commitment to a sustainable future across its businesses.
Alongside gold bullion coins in the form of the 22ct Sovereign and the 24ct Britannia, this year’s submission featured a range of collectable coins designs for the young, and the young-at-heart. Available in a variety of metals and finishes, these include a 20th birthday celebration of the Gruffalo’s Child, new additions to the Royal Mint’s Harry Potter and Star Wars collections, and a trio of designs based on the myth and legend of Robin Hood.
A sample of all new coins struck by The Royal Mint – whether currency or collectible - is submitted to the Trial of the Pyx each year. The coins are rigorously checked for fineness and quality by an independent jury which has been made up of members of the Goldsmiths’ Company since 1327, before undergoing scientific analysis by the London Assay Office.
The Trial is opened by the King’s Remembrancer, Senior Master (Jeremy David) Cook of the Kings’ Bench Division of the High Court, who will also deliver the verdict once testing and analysis have been completed later in the year.
Anne Jessopp, Chief Executive Officer of The Royal Mint said: “The Trial of the Pyx has tested the integrity and quality of Britain’s coinage for centuries and is an important part of our history. Our future focuses on bringing sustainability to the fore in our industry, and for the first time coins crafted from silver recovered from medical and industrial x-rays was submitted to the Trial for testing. It is important we act now to protect the world’s finite resources. The Royal Mint is committed to being a leader in sustainable precious metals and setting a new standard for the industry.”
Dan Thomas, The King’s Assay Master (a position that has existed for centuries and maintains responsibility to answer for the purity of money) said: “Every year the nation’s coins are submitted to one of the UK’s oldest judicial ceremonies – testing the quality and accuracy of the coins in your pocket. We’re excited that the first official UK coin produced from X-ray silver has been submitted for testing. This is an incredible milestone for coins and demonstrates our commitment to a more sustainable future for coinage.”
Richard Reid, Prime Warden (Chairs the Board) of the Goldsmiths’ Company commented: “Since 1327 it has been the proud duty of the Goldsmiths’ Company to ensure the integrity of the nation’s coinage. From currency for spending and saving, to limited production collectible pieces in precious metal, consumers can rest assured that the coins produced by the Royal Mint will be submitted to the most stringent tests for quality, precision, and accuracy.”