On 27 September 1825, around 600 passengers were transported by a steam-powered railway engine, Locomotion No. 1, between Shildon and Stockton in northern England. George Stephenson, the railway engineer and creator of the locomotive, was behind the controls as 36 waggons containing goods and people were hauled 26 miles to the quayside destination.

This successful field test is recognised as the first steam-powered passenger train to run on a public railway and the start of a revolution in transport and society. The economic, social and cultural changes that were powered by the railways in Britain and around the world can be tracked back to this first rail journey.        

To mark the 200th anniversary of this world-changing event, The Royal Mint has struck a commemorative £2 coin as part of Railway 200, a year-long celebration of the modern railway. The reverse of the coin features a design by William Webb showing Locomotion No. 1 steaming ahead, encircled by an inscription that reads: ‘THE JOURNEY THAT CHANGED THE WORLD’.

KEY FEATURES    

• The reverse features a design by William Webb that shows Locomotion No. 1 hauling its heavy load
• The coin features the edge inscription ‘ACTIVE · LOCOMOTION NO 1’ in tribute to the revolutionary locomotive
• The packaging content explores the huge impact of railways on people’s lives from 1825 to 2025
• Made in partnership with Railway 200 as part of its year-long celebration of 200 years of the modern railway
  

SPECIFICATIONS

• Metal:
  • Inner Alloy: 925 Ag
  • Outer Alloy: 925 Ag plated with fine gold
• Finish: Proof
• Weight: 12.00g
• Diameter: 28.40mm
• Year: 2025
• Denomination: £2