For over a millennium, The Royal Mint has stood as a symbol of trust, craftsmanship, and innovation in British history. From its earliest known origins in the 880s during the reign of Alfred the Great, to its position today as a world-leading organisation in precious metals, The Royal Mint continues to evolve, honouring tradition while pioneering the future.
From the Tower to the Valleys
The story of The Royal Mint is inextricably linked with the history of the nation. For centuries, it operated from within the walls of the iconic Tower of London, a site chosen for its security and royal proximity. By the 13th century, this strategic location had become the hub of English coin production, serving monarchs and markets alike.
As the demands of coinage grew, The Royal Mint moved just outside the Tower in 1810 to new, purpose-built facilities on Tower Hill. Here, industrial-scale production took shape during a time of economic expansion and empire. But by the late 1960s, the need for more modern machinery and greater space heralded a new chapter.
In 1968, The Royal Mint relocated to Llantrisant in South Wales, just in time for the UK’s decimalisation in 1971. This state-of-the-art facility continues to serve as our home today, blending centuries-old craftsmanship with cutting-edge innovation in a secure and sustainable environment.
Legendary Leadership: Sir Isaac Newton
Among the many renowned figures to have served The Royal Mint, perhaps none is more celebrated than Sir Isaac Newton. Appointed Warden of the Mint in 1696 and later Master of the Mint in 1699, Newton brought his scientific precision and unrelenting integrity to both roles. His tenure was marked by integrity, a drive for accuracy, and the famous recoinage programme that stabilised the nation’s currency. He also played a central role in combating widespread counterfeiting, leaving an enduring legacy that still shapes our standards today.
The Trial of the Pyx: A Tradition of Trust
Since the 13th century, The Royal Mint has been held to the highest standards through the Trial of the Pyx, an annual judicial ceremony where randomly selected coins are tested for weight, diameter, and metal content. This ancient tradition, held at Goldsmiths’ Hall in London, continues to this day, underscoring our unwavering commitment to quality and accountability.
A Modern Mint for a Changing World
While our heritage remains at the heart of everything we do, The Royal Mint has evolved into a diverse and innovative business. Owned by HM Treasury, today, we offer a wide range of commemorative and historic coins, marking national milestones and royal occasions, and our investment-grade bullion coins and bars are trusted by investors around the world for their purity and craftsmanship.
We have also expanded into the world of luxury with 886 by The Royal Mint, our new jewellery brand that transforms precious metals into timeless pieces of art. Named in tribute to our founding year, this range brings together elegance, sustainability, and heritage.
Welcoming thousands of guests each year, The Royal Mint Experience in Llantrisant has also become a popular visitor attraction, offering an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at coin production. With guided factory tours, interactive exhibitions, and the chance to strike your own coin, it provides a unique opportunity to explore Britain’s rich minting heritage first-hand.
Most recently, we have broken new ground with a world-first plant that extracts gold from the UK’s growing mountain of electronic waste. This pioneering facility exemplifies our commitment to sustainability, reclaiming valuable resources from discarded tech and contributing to a circular economy.
A Legacy Continues
From striking coins for kings and queens to creating sustainable luxury and recovering gold from e-waste, The Royal Mint remains a cornerstone of British ingenuity. For over 1,100 years, we have adapted to change while preserving the values that have made us trusted by generations - quality, integrity, and innovation.
We are proud of our journey and excited for what the future holds - ensuring that every coin, bar, or piece of jewellery bearing our name carries the weight of history and the promise of excellence.