Royal Mint issues £2 coin to celebrate Railway 200

The Royal Mint has launched a commemorative £2 coin to mark 200 years of the modern railway.

The coin depicts Locomotion on the Stockton and Darlington Railway on its opening day in 1825.

Railway 200 was kicked off with a Whistle-Up of locomotive and units of all ages from around the UK and other countries such as New Zealand, the USA and Sierra Leone.

More than 100 activities and events are planned for the bicentenary celebrations.

Emma Robertson, programme manager for Railway 200, said: “Railway 200 represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for the railway, its people and communities to shout long, loud and proud about rail’s many achievements and plans for a more sustainable future.”

Railway 200 also aims to raise £200,000 for charity.