Goldsmiths’ Hall is minted for the annual Trial of the Pyx
THE TRIAL of the Pyx is (yet another) ancient ceremony that takes place in the Square Mile.
Yesterday 17 jurors and 19 Royal Mint staff congregated at the Hall of the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths in order to check that the coins produced at the Royal Mint were the right weight, size and metallic composition.
The Trial dates back to the twelfth century, when our coinage included far less base metal. It is named after the boxes in which sample coins are kept. The Pyx chamber in Westminster Abbey still hosts the originals – should readers wish to take a closer look.
Official verdict won’t be passed on the mint’s current coins until May, but The Capitalist awards top marks to the 1kg gold ones.
■ Who would live in a scandalous house like this? Readers will recall the Profumo affair that arose in 1963, when the secretary of state for war John Profumo (pictured) was caught lying over a tryst with showgirl Christine Keeler. At the time Profumo and his wife, the actress Valerie Hobson, lived in a Grade I listed property built by architect John Nash. Now anyone with a spare £8m could live in the Regent’s Park home, as the four-bedroom house has gone up for sale.
■ The Capitalist was pleased to hear of more good deeds in the City this week. Barclays investment banker Tom Yusef is one of the organisers putting together The Tom Maynard Memorial Ball, in honour of the young sportsman who passed away last year. England rugby captain Chris Robshaw, cricketers Kevin Pietersen and Darren Gough, rugby player Danny Care and patron of the Tom Maynard Trust Freddie Flintoff will all be attending, as well as lots of young City faces. The ball will be held at the Kia Oval on 8 May and tables start at £1,500 for ten people. Tickets can be organised through the website www.thetommaynardball.com