- Circulation: 1,560,000
- Year issued: 2013
- Edge inscription: Mind the gap
- Value circulated: £2.00
- Value circulated in excellent condition: £3.50
- Value uncirculated: £10.00 approx.
- Composition: Inner – cupro-nickel. Outer – Nickel-Brass
- Scarcity index: 32
In 2013 the Royal Mint released £2 coins to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the opening of the London Underground. Two coins were circulated (see the train version here) and the two coins together make a nice set to mark the occasion. These coins are popular with transport enthusiasts and historians alike.
History of the coin
When the £2 was first issued, it was used purely as a commemorative coin for the Scottish Commonwealth Games in 1986.
The original design was one colour but when it was agreed to circulate the coin, it was remodelled as a bi-metallic coin. The first coin was circulated in 1998, and became the 8th coin in the British coin set.
About the London Underground
In 1863, the London Underground opened.
The first stretch went from Paddington to Farringdon Street but it now stretches 408km and is the 4th longest Metro in the World. It serves Central London and outskirts and reaches into the neighbouring counties.
The last line to be added was in 1968, the Victoria Line, and this took the total to 11 and the total number of stations to 275. It is the 12th busiest underground with 3,000,000 passengers every day.
How many London Underground Roundel £2 coins were made?
Just 1,690,000 London Underground Roundel £2 coins were circulated, making it one of the less common coins.
Design and Designer
- Front design:
The design is the logo of the London Underground with the dates 1863 and 2013.
- Obverse design:
Portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by Ian Rank-Broadley
Designer: Edwina Ellis
Edwina Ellis is a designer, engraver and printmaker who has worked with many well known companies, including The Times and The London Underground.
Her prints can be seen in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London Transport Museum and the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford.
She has designed 14 coins so far for the Royal Mint, including a commemorative set of World War Technology coins. Among her other coins are the Stephen Hawking 50p and a set of £1 coins with bridge designs.
Variations
When it was issued in 2013, 1,560,000 London Underground Roundel £2 coins were circulated.
- Brilliant uncirculated coins are available
- 12,000 Silver Proof coins were produced
- 200 Silver Proof Piedfort coins were produced
- 1,000 Gold Proof coins were produced.
