Posts Tagged ‘coin collection’
Recycled Silver Sixpences Make History at the Trial of the Pyx
Tuesday 11 February 2025: A centuries-old tradition met modern sustainability as The Royal Mint submitted its latest coinage for testing at the 776-year-old Trial of the Pyx—one of the UK’s most historic judicial ceremonies. Held at Goldsmiths’ Hall in the City of London since 1871, the Trial ensures the nation’s coinage meets strict standards of precision, accuracy, and craftsmanship.
Credit: Matt Brown, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
This year’s Trial featured a groundbreaking submission: sixpences made from silver recovered from expired medical and industrial X-ray films. In a historic first, these innovative coins—released last year as part of The Royal Mint’s commitment to sustainability—will now undergo rigorous testing by the London Assay Office.
The recycled silver sixpences were originally issued to mark the revival of ‘Stir Up Sunday,’ a Victorian tradition where families would add a silver sixpence to their Christmas pudding mix for good luck. Their inclusion in the Trial of the Pyx signals not only their significance in British numismatics but also the ongoing efforts to merge heritage with sustainability.
In total, The Royal Mint has submitted 6,432 coins to this year’s Trial, including gold bullion Sovereigns, 24ct Britannias, and a variety of collectable designs. Among the standout pieces are commemorative coins celebrating the 20th anniversary of The Gruffalo’s Child, additions to the ever-popular Harry Potter and Star Wars collections, and a stunning trio of coins inspired by the legend of Robin Hood.
As per tradition, the coins will be meticulously examined by an independent jury composed of members of the Goldsmiths’ Company—a role they have upheld since 1327. The process involves expert craftsmanship assessment as well as scientific analysis conducted by the London Assay Office. The Trial is overseen by the King’s Remembrancer, Senior Master Jeremy David Cook of the King’s Bench Division of the High Court, who will later deliver the official verdict in May.
What is the Trial of the Pyx?
The Trial of the Pyx is one of the oldest judicial processes in the United Kingdom, dating back to at least 1248. Its primary purpose is to ensure that coins produced by The Royal Mint meet the required standards of weight, composition, and quality. The term “Pyx” refers to the chests in which the coins are stored before testing. The trial is conducted at Goldsmiths’ Hall in London, where a selection of newly minted coins is scrutinised by an independent jury, composed of members of the Goldsmiths’ Company. The process involves both visual inspection and scientific analysis by the London Assay Office. The King’s Remembrancer, a senior judge, oversees the proceedings and delivers the final verdict once testing is complete.
With tradition and sustainability now working hand in hand, the legacy of British coinage continues to evolve in remarkable ways.
Introducing the 2025 Royal Residences 50p Collection
Following in the footsteps of the sell-out Platinum Jubilee and Coronation 50p collections, a brand-new release is set to captivate collectors and Royal enthusiasts alike. The latest instalment in the sought-after Royalty 50p programme shines a spotlight on five historic Royal Residences—places that have witnessed some of the most defining moments in British history.
Honouring 200 Years of Buckingham Palace
This exciting new collection comes at a particularly special time, marking 200 years since the transformation of Buckingham House into the world-famous Buckingham Palace we know today. To commemorate this milestone, the 2025 Royal Residences 50p Collection has been officially authorised for release by King Charles III and Palace Authorities.
Steeped in tradition and grandeur, the Royal Residences have been the backdrop for everything from royal births and weddings to state occasions and coronations. Each residence carries with it a rich history, offering a glimpse into the personal and public lives of the Royal Family.
The Five Iconic 50p Coins featuring Royal Residences
This highly anticipated collection celebrates five historic Royal Residences, each with a unique connection to the British Monarchy:
Buckingham Palace
Attracts over 500,000 visitors each year.
The official London residence of King Charles III and the administrative headquarters of the Monarchy.
Buckingham House
This one-time modest house evolved into one of the most iconic palaces in the world.
The original building that lay at the heart of Buckingham Palace before its grand transformation in 1825.
Castle of Mey
Now visited annually by King Charles III and Queen Camilla each July.
Restored by The Queen Mother in the 1950s, this Scottish castle remains a cherished Royal retreat.
Clarence House
Previously home to The Queen Mother for nearly 50 years.
The London residence of King Charles III and Queen Camilla since 2003.
Kensington Palace
Today, it remains the London residence of the Prince and Princess of Wales.
A historic residence that has been home to generations of the Royal Family.
Exclusive One-Year-Only Privy Mark
Collectors will be particularly excited about the exclusive design details incorporated into this collection. The Buckingham Palace and Buckingham House 50p coins will feature a one-year-only “200” Privy Mark, making them truly unique additions to any collection.
Secure Your Royal Residences 50p collection
The 2025 Royal Residences 50p Collection is available in a variety of specifications to suit every collector. Given the popularity of previous Royal 50p collections, demand for these coins is expected to be exceptionally high.
Click below to explore the full range and secure your piece of Royal history today!
Red Arrows 50p Coin Collection: A Tribute to Britain’s Iconic Aerobatic Team
A new UK 50p has just been released celebrating the legacy and precision of the iconic Red Arrows. Originally featured in this year’s annual coin set, the Red Arrows 50p has now been released individually, with some incredibly limited specifications making their debut in today’s launch.
A Legendary Team Honoured on UK Coinage
Since their inception in 1964, the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team—better known as the Red Arrows—have performed nearly 5,000 dazzling displays across 57 countries. Renowned for their precision flying and breathtaking aerobatic formations, the Reds represent the pinnacle of aviation skill. But behind their airborne brilliance stands a team just as crucial—their dedicated ground crew, known as The Blues, who ensure every performance runs seamlessly.
The Red Arrows Silver Proof 50p
At the heart of this new collection is the Red Arrows Silver Proof 50p, which features an iconic depiction of the Red Arrows’ Hawk T1 aircraft flying overhead in their signature formation, leaving behind their famous red, white, and blue smoke trails. This stunning coin, available in silver proof and piedfort editions, comes alive with exquisite colour printing that enhances the striking design.
For collectors looking for something even more exclusive, the Red Arrows Silver UK Coin Cover is a must-have. Limited to just 150 covers worldwide, this extraordinary piece pairs the stunning silver proof 50p with four Red Arrows first-class stamps, alongside a technical drawing of the legendary Diamond 9 Formation—a true celebration of the team’s history and expertise.
An Exclusive Gold Coin Release
For those who favour ultra-limited editions, here is something truly special—a tenth of an ounce gold coin, available exclusively through The Westminster Collection. With only 500 pieces released worldwide, this coveted release is set to be a standout in any collection. The Red Arrows have a dedicated fan base, and with coin collectors also vying for these rare pieces, demand is expected to be exceptionally high.
Secure Your Piece of Aviation History
With such limited numbers available, these coins are destined to sell quickly. Whether you’re an aviation enthusiast, a long-time Red Arrows fan, or a passionate coin collector, this collection is a remarkable tribute to one of Britain’s most celebrated aerobatic teams.