2004 15.97 gram Great Britain 200th Anniversary of Steam Locomotive .9167 Gold Proof Coin
The 2004 £2 Two Pound Gold Proof Coin commemorating the 200th anniversary of Richard Trevithick's steam locomotive is a particularly special and collectible coin for enthusiasts of history, engineering, and coin collecting. Below are key details summarizing the coin's significance and features: ### **Key Features:** 1. **Historical Significance**: - Celebrates the pioneering achievement of Richard Trevithick, whose invention of the steam-driven locomotive in 1804 revolutionized transport and played a vital role in the Industrial Revolution. - Trevithick's locomotive, Penydarren, marked the first successful journey of a steam-powered vehicle on rails, hauling ten tons of iron over a nine-mile distance. 2. **Design Details**: - **Reverse**: Designed by Robert Lowe, featuring Trevithick’s Locomotive Penydarren surrounded by a cog, symbolizing the Industrial Revolution. The inscription reads: *"R Trevithick 1804 Invention Industry Progress 2004"* and denotes the denomination, *Two Pounds*. - **Obverse**: Features the mature portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by Ian Rank Broadley, a reflective and detailed depiction of Her Majesty. 3. **Specifications**: - Struck in **solid 22-carat gold**. - Proof quality with specially prepared dies and polished blanks for a flawless finish. 4. **Limited Edition**: - **Mintage**: Only 1,500 coins worldwide, making it a rare and highly sought-after collectible. - Comes with the **Royal Mint presentation box** and a Certificate of Authenticity (COA), ensuring provenance and authenticity. 5. **Legal Tender**: - Though primarily a collectible, the coin is legal tender in the United Kingdom with a denomination of £2.