The Royal Mint produced a 5,000 pounds coin that weighed a total of 5kg and has a worth of 300,000 pounds. It is made to be tested by the Goldsmiths’ Company in the City of London.
The procedure used to test the quality of coins produced by the Royal Mint is called the “Trial of the Pyx” to ensure they are of the highest quality.
The ceremonial gold coin features the “Una and the Lion” design which was coined in 1839 by William Wyon, former official chief engraver at the Royal Mint.
The Royal Mint has also produced a £2,000 coin. It weighs 2kg and is worth nearly £120,000 made with the same design.
The coins with the Una and the Lion design are made from 999 fine gold and have been remastered from an original die that was first used almost 200 years ago.
The Queen’s Assay Master at the Royal Mint, Graeme Smith explained that the coins produced by the Royal Mint go through the “Trial of the Pyx” process every year.
The Deputy clerk at The Goldsmiths’ Company, Simon Hutchinson said that the testing process is important in modern times to ensure the country’s coins are of the right quality and composition.
“For as long as the Royal Mint makes coins with value, the testing process will remain relevant in modern life,” Hutchinson said.
The Trial of the Pyx is conducted at the Goldsmiths’ Hall located in London and is presided over by the Queen’s Remembrancer, one of the highest legal representatives in the country, who is assisted by an independent jury consisting of members of the Goldsmiths’ Company.
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