The annual Trial of the Pyx has been conducted for centuries. Despite all the pomp associated with the trial its true function is to assay the nation’s coinage primarily to ensure the purity of precious metal coins is correct.
According to The Goldsmiths’ Company Assay Office, “The purpose of the annual trial is to check that United Kingdom coins produced at The Royal Mint are within the statutory limits for metallic composition, weight, and size.”
The GCAO continued, “The benchmark
