The Royal Mint launches commemorative £2 coin to mark the bicentenary of the Stockton and Darlington Railway

The launch of the coin is part of a year-long initiative called Railway 200, which will explore the railway's role in shaping national life.

A commemorative coin has been launched by The Royal Mint to mark the opening of the Stockton and Darlington Railway 200 years ago.

The launch is part of a year-long initiative called Railway 200, which will explore the railway's role in shaping national life.

The coin is part of a set of five from The Royal Mint, which is based in Pontyclun, celebrating upcoming national milestones and anniversaries throughout 2025.

The commemorative £2 coin (Image: The Royal Mint) Emma Robertson, programme manager for Railway 200, said: "Coming down the tracks this year is a bumper programme of exciting initiatives and shared storytelling for everyone to get involved with and enjoy.

"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."

The start of the bicentenary celebration was marked with a global Whistle-Up on January 1, where 200 locomotives blew whistles and horns across the UK and as far as South America, the USA, South Africa, and Sierra Leone.

More than 100 activities and events are planned for the year, including train naming ceremonies, public talks, heritage trails, and open days.

There will also be an anniversary-related mega rail sale offering discounted tickets, the launch of a Railway 200 merchandise range, and a nine-month international festival across Durham and Tees Valley.

A four-carriage touring exhibition train called 'Inspiration' is set to criss-cross Britain for a year from this summer, promoting rail innovation and careers.

People are also invited to share their rail stories as part of the Great Rail Tales project, focusing on moments of particular significance such as a chance encounter that led to a lasting relationship or an awe-inspiring journey.

The Railway 200 initiative is aiming to raise £200,000 for a charity partnership of Alzheimer's Research UK, Railway Children, Transport Benevolent Fund, Rail Benefit Fund, and the Railway Mission.