Steam Engine 2004 Two Pounds CoinThe two pound coin for 2004 commemorates the centenary of the Steam Engine.2004 Steam Engine Gold Proof Two PoundsSince 1986 the Royal Mint has issued two pound coins, both for circulation and as commemorative versions for collectors.In 2004, as the latest in this series of £2 coins, the Royal Mint has produced a design commemorating the centenary of the Richard Trevithick's Steam Engine of 1904.
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Historical NotesThe Industrial Revolution was a period that saw countries like Britain progress from being predominantly agrarian to being much more urbanised. The development of the steam engine played a crucial role in this transition.although steam-powered engines had been used from the early eighteenth century, they were often large and unreliable machines fixed into position to preform certain tasks. It was not until the beginning of the nineteenth century that a Cornishman, Richard Trevithick, revolutionised steam power by devising the first steam-driven locomotive engine. Following a bet between Samuel Homfray, owner of the Penydarren Iron Works, and Richard Crayshaw, owner of the Cyfarthfa Iron works, in 1804 Trevithick built a steam engine that could haul ten tones of iron from the Penydarren works along a tramway to Navigation House in Abercynon, a total distance of nine miles. The journey was completed in four hours and five minutes. The first steam-powered vehicle had been driven on rail. Trevithick's engine was the first true steam locomotive. Different VersionsIn addition to the gold proof version offered here, the Steam Engine £2 is being produced the following different versions, further details of which are shown on our other web site.
Gold Proof VersionThe gold proof version has been produced in 22 carat red gold, with the centre "gold sprayed" according to the Royal Mint, before striking. The issue limit is a maximum of 1,500 individual pieces, with a further 2,500 reserved for inclusion in the 3 coin but not the 4 coin gold proof sets.ObverseThe Fourth PortraitThe fourth of Queen Elizabeth II, designed by Ian Rank Broadley, FRBS, FSNAD, whose initials IRB appear under the head, as used on all British coins from 1998. ReverseRichard Trevithick's 1804 "Penydarren" steam locomotive, with the words "Two Pounds", enclosed by a cog wheel design. The inscription reads:-R. TREVITHICK 1804 INVENTION INDUSTRY PROGRESS 2004 Designer Robert Lowe. TWO POUNDS EdgeThe edge is milled, with an added pattern of two sets of curves, possibly representing railway arches (an incuse railway line motif according to the Royal Mint).Specifications
Notes* In addition to the issue limit of 1,500 individually boxed gold proofs, there were a further 2,500 authorised for issue as part of the three-coin gold proof sets, the four-coin gold proof sets containing the normal design.You may wish to use our order form. Postage & PackingUK Registered Post (Special Delivery) £2 per orderEU Insured Post £10 per order USA Airmail $10, Insured Shipping $20 Canada Airmail $15, Insured Shipping via Fedex $40 |
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Reverse of 2004 Steam Engine £2 ProofTwo Pounds Index
Obverse of 2004 Steam Engine £2 Proof
Steam Engine £2 in Box |
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