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 Lithuanian litas These coins are made from a white alloy of copper and nickel; and from a gold-yellow alloy of copper, aluminium, and nickel. The coins were designed by Antanas Žukauskas with the help of Arvydas Každailis in adapting the Coat of Arms. They were released in 1998 and replaced the 1, 2, and 5 litai banknotes. The primary reason for the change was that these banknotes are short-lived because they are used in everyday trade. They are subject to wear and tear and needed to be constantly re-printed in foreign countries, while the new coins could be minted domestically at the