Coinage Act 1971

8 Trial of the pyx

(1) For the purpose of ascertaining that coins issued from the Mint have been coined in accordance with this Act a trial of the pyx shall be held at least once in every year in which coins have been issued from the Mint.

(2) Her Majesty may from time to time by Order in Council make provision with respect to the trial of the pyx and all matters incidental thereto, and in particular with respect to the following matters, that is to say—

(a) the time and place of the trial;

(b) the setting apart out of the coins issued by the Mint of certain coins for the trial;

(c) the summoning of a jury of not less than six out of competent freemen of the mystery of goldsmiths of the City of London or other competent persons;

(d) the attendance at the trial of the jury so summoned and of the proper officers of the Treasury, the Department of Trade and Industry and the Mint, and the production of the coins so set apart, the standard trial plates and the standard weights ;

(e) the proceedings at and the conduct of the trial, including the nomination of a person to preside at it, the swearing of the jury and the method of examining the coins;

(f) the recording and the publication of the verdict, the custody of the record thereof and the proceedings (if any) to be taken in consequence of the verdict.

(3) An Order in Council made under this section may be revoked or amended by a subsequent Order in Council.