Explanatory note

This Order amends the Trial of the Pyx Order 1998 (the “1998 Order”) (S.I. 1998/1764), so as to provide for the trial of platinum coins issued by the Royal Mint.

Article 2(a) of the Order amends the 1998 Order to require the Deputy Master of the Mint to set aside platinum coins for trial at the trial of the Pyx

Article 2(b) provides for the form that the trial of those coins will take.

Article 2(c) replaces various references to “fineness” in the 1998 Order with references to “composition” so as to reflect section 3 of the Coinage Act 1971. This refers to “fineness” in respect of gold coins and silver Maundy coins, and “composition” in respect of all other coins.

Article 2(d) provides for the findings that the jury are to reach following the trial of platinum coins.

Article 2(e) replaces the Treasury’s obligation to publish the jury’s verdict in the London Gazette, with an obligation to make the verdict publicly available in such manner as the Treasury consider appropriate. It is intended that the verdict will normally be made available on the public website of the Treasury.

Article 2(f) amends the form of warrant appointing the time and place of the trial so as to make clear that the trial commences on the date specified. In practice, the trial of the Pyx normally lasts several weeks.

Article 2(g) amends the Oath administered to the jury in Schedule 2 to the 1998 Order so as to refer to platinum coins.

A regulatory impact assessment has not been produced for this instrument as it has no impact on the costs of business.