Posts Tagged ‘sixpence’
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.
The Sixpence: 5 Burning Questions Answered
Why is the Sixpence placed in Wedding Shoes and Christmas Puddings? Today we will explore some of the top questions surrounding the Sixpence coin, uncover the stories and traditions behind this tiny yet iconic coin.
1. What is a Sixpence Coin?
The Sixpence was once widely circulated in the United Kingdom and its former colonies. Worth 2.5p, it remained in circulation until 1980. The coin’s design and composition have evolved over the centuries, reflecting the changing faces of monarchs and the artistic trends of each era.
2. Why is the Sixpence Coin Associated with Weddings?
One of the most enduring traditions involving the Sixpence coin is its association with weddings. For many years, the father of the bride would slip a Sixpence into his daughter’s shoe before she walked down the aisle. The Sixpence stood for good luck, and to show that the father wished his daughter prosperity in her marriage.
3. What is the Meaning Behind the Rhyme “Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue, and a Silver Sixpence in Her Shoe”?
This famous wedding rhyme includes a set of superstitions and customs believed to bring good luck to the bride on her wedding day. The inclusion of a Sixpence in her shoe represents wealth and financial prosperity in the marriage.
4. What is the Sixpence Christmas Tradition?
Beyond weddings and everyday circulation, the Sixpence coin has found its way into another cherished tradition – Christmas puddings. Dating back to Victorian England, it became a popular custom to include a silver coin in the mixture when preparing the Christmas pudding. The thought behind this was not only to add a bit of festive surprise but also to give luck and prosperity to the person fortunate enough to find the coin in their serving of Christmas pudding.
5. Are Sixpence Coins Still in Circulation?
In the United Kingdom, Sixpence coins ceased to be legal tender in 1980. However, these coins are still cherished by collectors and are often found in antique markets and online auctions. The historical value and unique designs of these coins make them sought-after items for all collectors.
Add a sixpence to your collection right now by clicking here >>
The Christmas baking tradition you don’t want to miss out on
Did you know that, traditionally, the Christmas pudding mixture is stirred from East to West in homage to the three wise men?
This is just one of the traditions unique to the Christmas pudding, which is as steeped in history as it is brandy!
Christmas puddings are traditionally made on Stir-up Sunday – and with this year’s taking place on 21st November you’ll want to read on to find out how to make your Christmas pudding extra special.
Stir-up Sunday
Stir-up Sunday falls on the last Sunday before the Christian Advent begins – that’s 4 weeks before Christmas Day. The term ‘Stir-up Sunday’ originates from the Anglican Book of Common Prayer: ‘Stir up, we beseech thee, O Lord, the wills of thy faithful people.’
So, why is the Christmas pudding whipped up long before the big day? Well, the idea is that enough time will pass for the pudding to mature and for the spices to infuse – yummy!
Making a Christmas pudding can be hard work, and during the Victorian era the whole family would get involved. While stirring the mixture of fruit, flour, brandy and spices, each family member would make a wish.
Some families threw a piece of silver – traditionally a sixpence – into the mix, which is thought to bring luck and wealth to whoever received it on Christmas Day.
Perhaps this is something you’d like to try with your family this year. Let us know in the comments if you’ll be participating in Stir-up Sunday and what you’d wish for.
If you’re interested…
Honour this quintessentially British tradition with our special Christmas Sixpence Frame with a brand new frame design.
