The Verdict of the Pyx 2026: A Historic First at Mansion House
Published: 10th May 2026
The Trial of the Pyx remains one of the oldest and most important judicial traditions in the United Kingdom, providing independent assurance that coins produced by The Royal Mint meet the standards required by law. Dating back to 1248, the Trial continues to play a vital role in protecting consumers and maintaining confidence in the nation’s coinage.
This year marked a historic milestone as the Verdict of the Trial of the Pyx was delivered at Mansion House for the first time in its 777-year history. During the ceremony, the King’s Remembrancer, Senior Master Jeremy Cook of the King’s Bench Division of the High Court, confirmed a positive verdict on the 7,838 coins submitted by The Royal Mint.
As Chancellor of the Exchequer and Master of The Royal Mint, Rachel Reeves is formally accountable for the outcome of the Trial.
The Trial is overseen by the King’s Remembrancer, the oldest judicial office in continuous existence in England and Wales, acting on behalf of the Crown to ensure the nation’s coinage complies with the specifications laid down in legislation and Royal Proclamation.
Brigadier Ed Butler CBE DSO, Prime Warden of The Goldsmiths’ Company, commented:
“From everyday base metal coins to exquisite pieces struck in precious metals, today’s Verdict of the Pyx confirms that the nation’s coinage meets the highest standards of quality, precision and accuracy. For centuries, this independent assurance has been upheld by The Goldsmiths’ Company, a responsibility it has proudly carried since 1327.”
A Tradition Dating Back Centuries
The Trial of the Pyx originated in the 12th century and is recognised as one of the oldest surviving judicial procedures in the United Kingdom. The name “Pyx” derives from the Latin word pyxis, meaning small box, referring to the chests used to transport and store the coins selected for testing.
The first recorded public Trial took place in 1248, when twelve citizens of London and twelve goldsmiths of the City were appointed to examine the coinage. For centuries, the Pyx boxes and selected coins were stored in the Pyx Chamber at Westminster Abbey alongside important items of state and church.
During the reign of Elizabeth I, The Goldsmiths’ Company was granted responsibility for overseeing the Trial, with jurors thereafter selected from the Company’s membership. Since the Coinage Act of 1870, Goldsmiths’ Hall has served as the official venue for the Trial, where The Goldsmiths’ Company Assay Office continues to carry out the scientific testing of the coins.
Testing the Coinage
Throughout the year, coins are selected from batches produced by The Royal Mint and sealed in Pyx boxes ready for examination at the Trial.
At the opening of the Trial, the coins are counted and weighed before a selection is set aside for testing by The Goldsmiths’ Company Assay Office. The Assay Office is then given two months to complete detailed analytical testing to confirm the coins comply with the statutory requirements for metallic composition, weight and dimensions.
Once testing has concluded, the court reconvenes for the formal delivery of the verdict before representatives from HM Treasury, The Royal Mint and invited guests.
Representing Sheffield Assay Office at this year’s Verdict were Assay Master Ashley Carson and Head of Commercial Operations Sara Hale, reflecting the significance of the Trial to the wider precious metals and hallmarking industry.
Sheffield Assay Office is proud to support and celebrate this historic tradition, which continues to uphold confidence in British coinage and reinforce the integrity of precious metals within the United Kingdom.
The Sheffield Assay Office was established in 1773, under an Act of Parliament and today the company assays and hallmarks the precious metals - silver, gold, platinum and palladium. Sheffield Assay Office is one of only four UK assay offices who all work to uphold the Hallmarking Act of 1973 and continue to ensure consumer protection for customers purchasing precious metals.
To find out more about the whole range of services offered by Sheffield Assay Office, such as our hallmarking and analytical services, please email us at info@assayoffice.co.uk or complete the contact form on our website at http://www.assayoffice.co.uk/contact-us ,
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