HC Deb 11 November 1912 vol 43 c1706
14. Mr. KING

asked whether the coins now being issued from the Royal Mint are tested by the sclerescope for hardness and durability; and whether the coinage of the present period may be expected to preserve all the marks of impression longer than previous issues?

Mr. MASTERMAN

It would not be possible to test each individual coin of a large issue, but the results obtained by laboratory experiments with a sclerescope are used as a guide in manufacture. The answer to the second part of the hon. Member's question depends upon the particular designs chosen for comparison, but I understand that, speaking generally, the durability of the present coinage is as great as that of former coinages.