What on earth is a pyx? and why is it on trial?

It's actually an historic event dating from 1282 and it is, indeed, a judicial trial as most of us would recognise, complete with judge, jury and verdict. I think it's now time, after more than 700 years of its history, that we put it under the spotlight and shed some light on its history and proceedings.

The word 'pyx' is of Latin/Greek origin and simply means 'box'. The pyx that goes on trial holds a collection of random UK coins from the year's production to be presented to the jury. At Westminster Abbey there is 'The Pyx Chamber' where historically the trial pyxides would be stored. These days, there are, in fact, many boxes involved in the event and they are stored securely at The Royal Mint.

Samples of newly minted UK coins are randomly selected throughout each year during the production process.

They are placed in packets for onward transportation to their trial, where they are inspected to ensure they conform to the standards required by UK law such as weight, composition and size. The number of coins on trial varies each year, but around 40,000 coins will be inspected in February 2014.

The trial has taken place every February since 1282, making this year's the 732nd trial. It is one of the longest established judicial procedures in the country, and the procedures have changed little over the years, so this year's trial should run like clockwork! Even a bomb falling nearby in 1940 didn't stop it going ahead. It is almost certainly the oldest form of quality control and independent quality assessment in the UK, and probably the only trial of its kind in the world.

The trial takes place at Goldsmiths' Hall which, as made official by the Coinage Act 1870, is its established venue.

As a legally constituted trial it is presided over by a high court judge, who holds the title of 'The Queen's Remembrancer' for this process. On trial are the contents of the pyxides as well as the Deputy Master of the Mint.

To read the complete article, see:Trial of the Pyx: Putting the Pyx on trial(www.coinsweekly.com/en/News/4?&id=2590)