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 Republic of Ireland committee did not know whose designs were being judged. Percy Metcalfe's designs were chosen and design modifications were added with assistance from civil servants at the Department of Agriculture. The first coins were struck in 1928 and were minted at the Royal Mint in London. In 1938, following the introduction of the Constitution of Ireland, the obverse of the coins was modified with the Irish language name of the State, "Éire", and the harp was also modified so that it wore better. The Central Bank Act, 1942 Section 58 allowed pure nickel to be substituted with a cupro-nickel alloy. The