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The Trial of the Pyx
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The Trial of the Pyx
The first part of the proceedings of the Trial of the Pyx, held in the Board room of the Treasury; this ancient ceremony is connected with the Mint for testing the purity of its work. Date: 1870
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Media ID 14373880
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
1249 Ceremony Chancellor Coin Coins Council Count Counting Deputy Exchequer Freeman Master Mint Privy Purity Treasury Trial Freemen Officers
EDITORS COMMENTS
The Trial of the Pyx: An Ancient Ceremony Guaranteeing the Purity of the Mint's Work (1870) This photograph captures the initial stage of the Trial of the Pyx, an ancient ceremony held in the Board Room of the Treasury. Dating back to 1249, this time-honored tradition is inextricably linked to the Mint, ensuring the utmost purity and quality of its gold and silver coins. The scene portrayed in this image marks the beginning of the proceedings, with various officers and dignitaries gathered around the Pyx, a large, leaden box. The Pyx holds a selection of coins from the Mint, meticulously chosen for testing. The officers, including the Remembrancer, Privy Council, Lord Chancellor, Deputy Master, and other officers, carefully count and examine the coins, ensuring their compliance with the strict standards set by the Exchequer. The Trial of the Pyx is a testament to the enduring importance of maintaining the integrity of the nation's currency. Queen Elizabeth I is said to have attended the trial in person, further emphasizing its significance. The ceremony continues to this day, preserving a rich historical connection between the Mint and the British monarchy. The photograph, taken in 1870, offers a fascinating glimpse into this ancient tradition, providing a window into the past and the meticulous process that guarantees the purity and trustworthiness of the coins in circulation.
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