Evoking the romance of train travel and the bygone era of steam locomotives, the 3801 – A Legend of Steam is a coin for rail enthusiasts, history buffs and lovers of travel alike.
This dramatic coloured coin celebrates one of Australia’s most loved steam locomotives as it celebrates both its 75th anniversary and a return to operation after a lengthy overhaul and restoration.
3801 locomotive entered into operation for New South Wales Railways in 1943. The 38 class were the last express passenger steam locomotives built for the state rail service and would go on to have successful tenures hauling all the principal trains such as the Newcastle Flyer and the Melbourne expresses. Originally 3801 was painted a dull grey due to war time economics, earning it the nickname The Grey Nurse. In 1947 it received its now distinctive green and yellow colour scheme.
In 1970, 3801 was the first engine to haul a train over the newly standardised transcontinental line from Sydney to Perth. The locomotive was invited to repeat this journey in 1988 as part of the Bicentennial celebrations.
To help celebrate the 75th anniversary of its entry into service, 3801 will return to operation in 2018 after an absence of over ten years and a lengthy overhaul and restoration.
Coin Highlights:
Mint | Royal Australian Mint |
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Country Of Issue | Australia |
Year | 2018 |
Denomination | 50c |
Metal Type | Cupro Nickel |
Weight (g) | 15.55 |
Purity (%) | 99.9 |
Diameter (mm) | 31.51 |
Mintage | 30,000 |