The need to rebuild the Mint had been recognised in the 1950's but it was the task of striking hundreds of millions of coins in readiness for decimalisation in 1971, while at the same time not neglecting overseas customers, which brought matters to a head.
In 1967 it was announced that the new Royal Mint would be built in Llantrisant, ten miles west of Cardiff, thereby according with Government policy of transferring industry from the capital to development areas. Work began on the site almost at once and the first phase was opened by Her Majesty The Queen on 17 December 1968.
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Once the initial requirement of decimal coins had been satisfied, production was progressively transferred from Tower Hill to Llantrisant. Melting, rolling and blanking facilities were completed and commissioned in 1975. With the new Mint capable of the full range of minting activity the last coin, a gold sovereign, was struck in London in November 1975. The Tower Hill buildings were finally relinquished in 1980, though an office has been retained elsewhere in London for marketing purposes.
Today, the Royal Mint occupies a thirty-eight acre site in Llantrisant and the modern factory is an example of how the latest technology, combined with traditional skills such as engraving and silversmithing, produce coins and medals.
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