Royal Mint

occupation:
Coin mint
Nationality:
English; British
born in:
London, Greater London, England, United Kingdom

Established between 12th and 13th centuries. Before the end of the 13th century it was housed in the Tower of London. 1282 - the Trial of the Pyx introduced, and still continues, whereby random coins are assessed against standards. 1696 - Sir Isaac Newton took up the post of Warden of the Mint. 1809 - in order to house a steam powered coin press, new premises were purpose built at Tower Hill. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, branches were opened in many Commonwealth countries. 1939-1945 - bombed by the Germans on several occasions. 1968 - at the advent of decimal currency, a the mint was relocated to Llantrisant in South Wales. 1975 - last coin struck at the Tower Hill premises.