Chancellor receives positive Verdict at Mansion House
The King’s Remembrancer, Senior Master Cook of the Kings’ Bench Division of the High Court, has today pronounced a positive verdict on the 7,838 coins submitted by The Royal Mint to the Trial of the Pyx, which for the first time in its 777 year history was held at Mansion House in the City of London. As Master of The Royal Mint, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, is held responsible for the outcome.
Thursday 7 May 2026 – The King’s Remembrancer, Senior Master Cook of the Kings’ Bench Division of the High Court, has today pronounced a positive verdict on the 7,838 coins submitted by The Royal Mint to the Trial of the Pyx, which for the first time in its 777 year history was held at Mansion House in the City of London.
The official residence of the Lord Mayors of the City of London since 1752, in November 2025 Mansion House became home to the first Lady Mayor, Dame Susan Langley, DBE, who is a freeman of the Goldsmiths’ Company. This is only the third time since 1871 that the Trial of The Pyx has been held outside of Goldsmiths’ Hall.
The Trial - which was first conducted in 1248 - fulfils a legal requirement imposed by The Coinage Act 1971 to conduct an examination by jury to ascertain that the coins of the realm, produced by The Royal Mint, are of the correct weight, size, and composition. As Master of The Royal Mint, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, is held responsible for the outcome.
Alongside a wide range of bullion coins in silver, gold, and platinum, this year’s submission featured a bounty of collectable coins commemorating important achievements, anniversaries, people and characters, available in a variety of metals and finishes. These include celebrations of the 15th anniversary of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s beloved children’s character, Zog; 50 years of Liberty; 200 years of the modern railway and 350 years of the Royal Observatory.
Today’s verdict is the final stage of the process, which began in February, when The Royal Mint submitted a sample of all new coins struck in 2025 to a jury of Goldsmiths’ Company members. The coins were carefully inspected, counted and weighed before being transferred to the London Assay Office, where over the last three months, the coins have been tested to ensure they meet the standards for size, weight and composition set out by HM Treasury.
Brigadier Ed Butler CBE DSO, Prime Warden (Chairs the Board) 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.”
Anne Jessopp, Chief Executive Officer of The Royal Mint, said: “Receiving a positive verdict at this year's Trial of the Pyx is something the entire team at The Royal Mint can be incredibly proud of. For nearly 800 years, this ancient ceremony has assured the quality of Britain's coinage, and passing it reaffirms the skill, precision and craftsmanship at the heart of everything we make - a standard that has established The Royal Mint as a leader in British craftsmanship for generations.”