Metallurgical assay and the U.S. Mint continue to produce precious metal bullion coins for collectors and investors. The precious metal purity and content of these coins is guaranteed by the respective mint or government, and, therefore, the assay of the raw materials and finished coins is an important quality control. In the UK, the Trial of the Pyx is a ceremonial procedure for ensuring that newly minted coins conform to required standards. Metallurgical assay A metallurgical assay is a compositional analysis of an ore, metal, or alloy. Some assay methods are suitable for raw materials; others are more appropriate for finished goods.
Coins of the South African rand gold Rand coins were minted until 1983. Starting in 1967, however, they were gradually replaced by the Krugerrand coins, especially after the issue of the smaller Krugerrand denominations from 1/10 to 1/2 oz in 1980. New coinage was introduced beginning with a R2 denomination (initially known colloquially as a "De Klerk"), adding a R5 coin, and replacing all the denominations of the previous coinage. Initially the coins bore the coat of arms and the name of the country in English and Afrikaans. After 1996, the coins carried the name in one of the country's 11 new official languages. The 10,