Posts by The Westminster Collection
200 Years of the Modern Railway UK £2 Coin
This year marks 200 years since the world’s first steam-powered passenger train journeyed across northern England—an event that transformed travel forever. To mark this moment in British history, The Royal Mint has released a special £2 coin, launched in partnership with Railway 200, a nationwide celebration of two centuries of railway innovation.
But before we get to the coin, it’s worth looking back at the day it all began—and the remarkable impact it had.
The First Journey: 27 September 1825
On 27 September 1825, a steam locomotive named Locomotion No. 1, designed by George Stephenson, transported around 600 passengers and 36 waggons of goods between Shildon and Stockton, covering 26 miles.
This was no small achievement. It was the first time a steam-powered passenger train had run on a public railway, and it signalled the start of a new era in transport. With Stephenson at the controls, the train made its way to the Stockton quayside, proving that rail travel was not only possible—but practical.
A Revolution on Rails
That single journey marked the beginning of a transport revolution. Within decades, railways had connected towns and cities, made cross-country travel faster and cheaper, and changed how people worked and lived.
The railway age brought economic growth, made goods more accessible, and helped communities stay connected. In many ways, it reshaped the way society functioned—and its legacy can still be felt today.
200 Years Later: Remembering the Milestone
To mark the 200th anniversary of this historic journey, Railway 200 has been launched as a year-long celebration of the railway’s role in shaping Britain. Events, exhibitions, and partnerships are highlighting the social, cultural, and engineering legacy of the railways.
As part of this, The Royal Mint has released a commemorative £2 coin that reflects the heritage and lasting impact of the railways.
The brand new UK £2 coin
- Features a detailed reverse design by William Webb, showing Locomotion No. 1 in motion
- Inscribed with the words ‘THE JOURNEY THAT CHANGED THE WORLD’
- Includes the edge inscription: ‘ACTIVE · LOCOMOTION NO 1’
- Created in partnership with Railway 200
- Available in a range of editions, from Brilliant Uncirculated to Gold Proof
The packaging explores the story of how the railway has influenced life in Britain from 1825 to today—connecting communities, driving industry, and changing how people move through the world.
Continuing a Legacy
This isn’t the first time Britain’s railway history has been celebrated in coin form. In 2023, the Flying Scotsman £2 coin drew very strong interest from railway fans and collectors alike with the coin range selling out quickly, reminding us just how closely linked the railway is to Britain’s national identity.
The 200 Years of the Modern Railway coin continues that story—marking a historic moment, not just in transport, but in how society began to speed up, link up, and move forward.
Whether you’re interested in railway history, industrial innovation, or just marking an important British anniversary, 2025 offers a chance to reflect on a journey that truly changed the world.
Why are Pin Badges so collectable?
Pin badges are cultural artefacts, miniature emblems of identity, and a key part of many collectors’ worlds. Over time, they’ve been used to mark loyalty, spread messages, celebrate events, and spark movements.
In this post, we’ll look at why pin badges continue to captivate collectors and introduce a special new issue from The Westminster Collection that’s already turning thousands of heads…
A Badge’s Role: From Belief to Belonging
Some historians suggest that the roots of badge culture may stretch back further than expected. According to research, European pilgrims in the 12th century are thought to have purchased pewter and lead alloy badges from shops near holy shrines—not only as souvenirs of their journey, but as visible signs of faith. These small items, often adorned with religious symbols, were believed by some to hold protective qualities, and also as a way to publicly display religious devotion.
Whether or not you trace their lineage back that far, it’s clear that badges have long been connected to identity and expression. In more recent history, badges became vital symbols for political, social, and protest movements. From labour rights to civil rights, peace marches to Pride parades, the badge has often carried the message:
“I stand for this.”
Part of what makes them so effective is their accessibility. Instantly recognisable, badges have long offered people a way to feel seen and heard in collective movements. They’ve helped define eras—not through the voices of leaders, but through the expressions of thousands.
Why Pin Badges Are So Collectable
1. Personal Meaning
Each badge carries a message. Whether linked to a cause, a campaign, or a historic event, badges often reflect the collector’s values and experiences.
2. Huge Range of Themes
From military commemoratives and pop culture to activism and advertising, the range of badge themes is virtually limitless.
3. Affordability
Pin badges remain one of the most affordable collectables, ideal for new collectors or casual hobbyists looking to build a meaningful collection.
4. Rarity and Exclusivity
Limited releases or time-sensitive issues (like those commemorating events or anniversaries) often become valuable due to scarcity.
5. Easy to Display or Wear
Badges are wearable collectables. They can be pinned to jackets, bags, or housed in displays, making them versatile and visually engaging.
The Battle of Britain 85th Anniversary Pin Badge
For the first time, The Westminster Collection is launching a pin badge to mark the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.
And for a limited time only, it is FREE (+p&p) to those who join the Legends of the Skies Collection.
This special-edition badge features the Spitfire, an enduring symbol of Britain’s resilience and aerial strength in 1940. Created with the same dedication to craftsmanship and historical significance that defines our coinage, the badge is a wearable tribute to “the Few” who defended our skies.
It’s the first release in the new Legends of the Skies Collection, honouring history’s most iconic military warplanes. But spaces on this collection are limited to just 19,995 worldwide, so time is of the essence…
Considering over 70,000 collectors claimed the VE Day badge, demand for this new release is expected to be high, with over a thousand already claimed.
Pin badges may be small, but their impact is anything but. They’ve carried ideas, inspired solidarity, marked moments in history—and continue to do so. Whether you’re drawn in by their design, their meaning, or their historical connections, collecting pin badges is a journey worth starting.
The Battle of Britain 85th Anniversary Pin Badge is a powerful and accessible way to begin—or enrich—your collection. Claim yours today and wear a piece of history with pride.
Click here to secure yours now for FREE when you trial the Legends of the Skies Collection. Simply cover postage >>
A Royal Milestone: The First-Ever UK Coin Honouring The Princess Royal
In 2025, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal celebrates her 75th birthday, and to mark this historic occasion, The Royal Mint has issued a remarkable new UK £5 coin – personally approved by Princess Anne herself.
A Numismatic and Royal First
For the very first time in British history, Princess Anne appears on a UK coin. This makes the 2025 UK 75th Birthday of Princess Anne £5 Coin not only a collector’s piece but a historic numismatic first.
The design was personally approved by The Princess Royal and features:
- Her official Coat of Arms
- An elegant photographic portrait by John Swannell, Fellow of the Royal Photographic Society and celebrated royal photographer
This combination of heraldry and portraiture creates a truly distinguished tribute to a life of unwavering public service.
A Life of Dedication and Duty
Since beginning royal duties at the age of 18, Princess Anne has earned a reputation as one of the hardest-working members of the Royal Family. Supporting over 300 charities, organisations, and military regiments, she has become a symbol of dedication and modest strength.
Whether representing the UK on the world stage or quietly championing causes close to her heart, The Princess Royal’s commitment to service is extraordinary and widely admired.
A Passion for Horses and Olympic Spirit
Known for her lifelong love of horses, Princess Anne made headlines when she became the first member of the British Royal Family to compete in the Olympic Games, riding for Team GB in eventing at the 1976 Montreal Olympics.
Riding her trusted gelding Doublet, she also claimed individual gold at the 1971 European Eventing Championships – a feat that underlined not only her skill but her grit and perseverance.
Image Credit: The Gait Post
A Fitting Tribute in a Range of Premium Specifications
The 2025 UK £5 Coin celebrating Princess Anne’s 75th birthday is available in a variety of stunning specifications, ensuring there’s a perfect option for every collector:
- Brilliant Uncirculated
- Silver Proof
- Silver Proof Piedfort
- Gold Proof
Each version showcases the beautiful design with the high-quality craftsmanship you’d expect from The Royal Mint — from affordable excellence to the ultimate in precious metal prestige.
👉 Explore the full Princess Anne 75th Birthday Coin Range here
Whether you’re adding to your collection or gifting a timeless piece of royal history, this coin is a fitting tribute to an extraordinary life of service.