200 Years of the Modern Railway UK £2 Coin

This year marks 200 years since the world’s first steam-powered passenger train journeyed across northern England—an event that transformed travel forever. To mark this moment in British history, The Royal Mint has released a special £2 coin, launched in partnership with Railway 200, a nationwide celebration of two centuries of railway innovation. 

But before we get to the coin, it’s worth looking back at the day it all began—and the remarkable impact it had. 

The First Journey: 27 September 1825 

On 27 September 1825, a steam locomotive named Locomotion No. 1, designed by George Stephenson, transported around 600 passengers and 36 waggons of goods between Shildon and Stockton, covering 26 miles. 

This was no small achievement. It was the first time a steam-powered passenger train had run on a public railway, and it signalled the start of a new era in transport. With Stephenson at the controls, the train made its way to the Stockton quayside, proving that rail travel was not only possible—but practical. 

A Revolution on Rails 

That single journey marked the beginning of a transport revolution. Within decades, railways had connected towns and cities, made cross-country travel faster and cheaper, and changed how people worked and lived. 

The railway age brought economic growth, made goods more accessible, and helped communities stay connected. In many ways, it reshaped the way society functioned—and its legacy can still be felt today. 

200 Years Later: Remembering the Milestone 

To mark the 200th anniversary of this historic journey, Railway 200 has been launched as a year-long celebration of the railway’s role in shaping Britain. Events, exhibitions, and partnerships are highlighting the social, cultural, and engineering legacy of the railways. 

As part of this, The Royal Mint has released a commemorative £2 coin that reflects the heritage and lasting impact of the railways. 

The brand new UK £2 coin 

• Features a detailed reverse design by William Webb, showing Locomotion No. 1 in motion 

• Inscribed with the words ‘THE JOURNEY THAT CHANGED THE WORLD’ 

• Includes the edge inscription: ‘ACTIVE · LOCOMOTION NO 1’ 

• Created in partnership with Railway 200 

• Available in a range of editions, from Brilliant Uncirculated to Gold Proof 

The packaging explores the story of how the railway has influenced life in Britain from 1825 to today—connecting communities, driving industry, and changing how people move through the world. 

Continuing a Legacy 

This isn’t the first time Britain’s railway history has been celebrated in coin form. In 2023, the Flying Scotsman £2 coin drew very strong interest from railway fans and collectors alike with the coin range selling out quickly, reminding us just how closely linked the railway is to Britain’s national identity. 

The 200 Years of the Modern Railway coin continues that story—marking a historic moment, not just in transport, but in how society began to speed up, link up, and move forward. 

Whether you’re interested in railway history, industrial innovation, or just marking an important British anniversary, 2025 offers a chance to reflect on a journey that truly changed the world.