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 Ukrainian hryvnia Until 2001 most coins were struck by the Luhansk Cartridge Factory. Also, in 1992 coins of 1,5,10 and 25 kopecks were struck by the Italian mint. Since 2001 all Ukrainian coins are struck at the mint of the National Bank of Ukraine. All circulation coins have been designed by Vasyl Lopata (*1941). Coins of the Ukrainian hryvnia Coins of the Ukrainian hryvnia were first minted in 1992. Coins were first struck in 1992 for the new currency but were not introduced until September 1996. Initially coins valued between 1 and 50 kopecks were issued. In March 1997, 1 hryvnia coins