The Royal Mint marks 200 years of the modern railway, with a new £2 coin homage in silver and gold

On 27 September 1825, the Stockton and Darlington Railway, situated in northeast England, began operations. The engineering was overseen by the George Stephenson, and his legendary son, Robert, and amongst the many innovations associated with this project, were malleable iron rails. It helped cement the reality of mass rail transport in the early decades of the Industrial Revolution. The first steam train, Locomotion No.1, can still be seen at the Locomotion Museum, in County Durham, and is depicted on the coin.

The design by William Webb is a fine one, and much more true to the original event than MDM’s considerably more ambitious issue, which we covered back in April. That coin focused on the invention, but this one is all about that day in 1825, and the depiction is superb, if a little impacted by the bi-metallic finish of the UK’s £2 coin format. The perspective is well handled, and the details, right down to the period clothing, really bring it to life. The obverse is the usual, simple effigy of King Charles II that sits on all UK commemorative currency. The lettering ‘ACTIVE LOCOMOTION NO 1’ is inscribed on the edge.

Three precious metal variants make up the range. The sterling silver is available in 12.0 gram, and piedfort (double-thickness) 24.0 gram, and there’s a half-ounce gold. With that one, the bimetallic effect is created by using yellow gold for the inner, and red gold for the outer, both in 0.9167 (22kt) fineness. These are typical sizes for £2 coins in the UK. All are boxed with a certificate.

In addition, there are two excellent sets available. The gold set has the coin paired up with an original 1825 George IV Shilling, which was also struck in sterling silver. The silver set also has a shilling in it, but it could be one from any year between 1817 and 1825. From 1817-1820, King George III reigned, before handing over to George IV, so you may get either of those on the obverse. Just 50 gold and 200 silver sets will be made available, with the latter being our pick of the whole range. Available now.

PRESS RELEASE: The Royal Mint has today released a new commemorative coin celebrating the 200th anniversary of Britain’s modern railway, with renowned train enthusiast and social media personality Francis Bourgeois striking the first coin. Francis, whose genuine passion for trains has captivated millions across social media, was a natural choice for the striking, embodying the same enthusiasm during the visit that he is known and loved for in his online videos.

The collectible £2 coin features the iconic Locomotion No. 1 which first steamed along the Stockton and Darlington Railway in 1825. Previously included in The Royal Mint’s 2025 annual coin sets, this special edition has now been released as a standalone collectible.

The detailed design depicts Locomotion No. 1 on the historic opening day of the Stockton and Darlington Railway, capturing a moment that transformed British transportation. Each coin features the edge inscription “ACTIVE · LOCOMOTION NO 1” as a tribute to the revolutionary locomotive, offering collectors a tangible piece of British industrial heritage.

Rebecca Morgan, Director of Commemorative Coin at The Royal Mint, said: “Coin collecting, much like Francis’s dedication to trains, brings together people who share a passion for history and heritage. Both hobbies offer a fascinating window into our nation’s past and provide communities where enthusiasts can share knowledge and excitement. We’ve seen tremendous interest from collectors of all ages who appreciate how coins can commemorate significant moments like the birth of modern railways, making this standalone release a celebration not just of railway history, but of the joy of collecting itself.”

Emma Roberts, programme manager for Railway 200, said: “Having a commemorative coin from The Royal Mint is a huge honour. We’re delighted that the vital role of the railway in our lives is being recognised in this way. The opening of the Stockton and Darlington Railway two centuries ago accelerated a rail revolution around the world. That historic moment helped to shape the past, present and future of rail and deserves to be commemorated in this bicentenary year.”