- Circulation: 7,452,250
- Year issued: 2006
- Edge inscription: So many irons in the fire
- Value circulated: £2.00
- Value circulated in excellent condition: £5.00
- Value uncirculated: £10.00 upwards
- Composition: Inner – cupro-nickel. Outer – Nickel-Brass
- Scarcity index: 1
Isambard Kingdom Brunel was one of the country’s greatest engineers. The 200th anniversary of his birth was in 2006, and the Royal Mint issued two commemorative £2 coins.
This one depicts Paddington Station and is a perfect choice for anyone with an interest in engineering or British history.
History of the coin
In 1986 a £2 was minted but it was not released in to circulation. This commemorative coin was the first £2 to be used to celebrate British achievements. It was one colour and larger than other coins.
In 1998 the £2 was remodeled as a circulating coin with a bi-metallic design. It is still the largest coin in the coin set and commemorative designs still appear on it.
About Isambard Kingdom Brunel
Isambard Kingdom Brunel was a 19th century engineer who revolutionised the construction and engineering industry.
One of his greatest achievements was the building of the Great Western Railway. While railways had already been built, Brunel’s railway was built to a better standard using careful surveys and methods of minimizing gradients.
He was also the first person to build a tunnel under a navigable river. His tunnel under the Thames from Rotherhithe to Wapping used new engineering techniques which had been developed by him.
He is also responsible for many bridges, including the famous Clifton suspension bridge over the River Avon in Bristol. At the time it was the longest bridge in the World. His work included ship building with the first propeller driven, ocean going iron ship, the SS Great Britain.
In 2002 the BBC held a poll to find the 100 Greatest Britons and Brunel was polled in 2nd place.
How many Brunel Paddington station £2 coins were made?
The Brunel Paddington Station £2 had a circulation of 7,452,250.
Design and Designer
- Front design:
The coin shows Paddington Station with the roof curling to the right hand side of his coin where his name appears.
- Obverse design:
Portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by Ian Rank-Broadley
Designer: Robert Evans
Robert Evans is a retired artist. He trained at the Cardiff College of Art and joined the Royal Mint when it moved to Wales.
He eventually became Senior Engraver but has now retired from his post.
He designed many coins for the Royal Mint, including a series of ship building coins for Jersey. He also designed the Marconi 2001 £2 commemorative coin.
Variations
The Brunel Paddington Station had a circulation of 7,452,250, and was one of two coins issued to commemorate Brunel’s anniversary.
- Brilliant uncirculated coins are available
- 20,000 Silver Proof coins were produced
- 5,000 Silver Proof Piedfort coins were produced
- 1,500 Gold Proof coins were produced.
