The first of a series of London Underground-themed £2 coins are making their way into circulation to mark the Tube’s 150th anniversary.
The Royal Mint has issued a limited number of the commemorative coins to selected Underground stations before a larger batch is released later in the year.
Chief executive and deputy master of The Royal Mint Adam Lawrence said: “London Underground, like The Royal Mint, has become a much-loved national treasure, so it is apt that we are celebrating the 150th anniversary of this great British icon by featuring London Underground on our £2 coins for 2013.”
The £2 ‘train’ coin, designed by Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby who designed the London 2012 Olympic Torch, depicts the front of a Tube train emerging from a tunnel and carries a patterned edge inspired by Harry Beck’s iconic Tube map.
The £2 ‘roundel’ coin, created by designer Edwina Ellis, bears the London Underground logo which first appeared on Underground station platforms in 1908, and features the edge inscription ‘MIND THE GAP’.
Mike Brown, the managing director of London Underground, said: “London Underground has always played a vital role in the economic growth of the capital and the UK, and these attractive coins are a wonderful celebration of its success over the last 150 years.”
The commemorative versions of the London Underground £2 coins can be purchased from The Royal Mint website at www.royalmint.com.
I have always been a coin collecting junkie including citizenship commemorative coins. Just a fun hobby I have always had.