Trial of the Pyx
11th May 2023Goldsmiths' Hall
I had no idea what this was all about but soon learnt of this ancient tradition of The Trial of the Pyx!
It is an examination by a jury of Freemen of the Goldsmiths' Company in a court of law to ascertain that coins produced by the Royal Mint are of the correct weight, diameter and composition required by law. In this case the coins were from production over the period of 2022 – quite unique in that 2022 coins included both HM King Charles III and HLM QE II official effigy…and also examined was the 15kg gold coin produced for the Platinum Jubilee.
The Trial concludes with the results being reported at the Verdict, followed by the traditional 'Goldsmiths' Feast'…and it was a huge privilege to be invited to this. Per tradition the Verdict was given by The King’s Remembrancer Master Barbara Fontaine who declared that the standard of the sample was 'more or less within the tolerances allowed by law'!
Others attending included the Economic Secretary to The Treasury, Andrew Griffith MP, The High Commissioner of New Zealand and representatives from the Royal Mint, London Bullion Market, Masters and members of the Goldsmiths’ Company – it was a pleasure to meet PM Michael Prideaux and Liveryman Adam Phillips – members of both our Co and the Goldsmiths’.
Following the verdict, guests were treated to a fine lunch by the Prime Warden Goldsmiths’ Company, The Lord Mark Bridges with excellent speeches from the Treasury’s Economic Secretary, The King’s Remembrancer (who retires this year) and the Prime Warden. The Hall was a spectacle with many Goldsmiths’ Company treasures on display, including the 'Company Buffet Plate' - comprising 9 stands.
A memorable day and another education!