2006 Brunel Gold Proof Two Pounds
In 2006, the Royal Mint issued two different commemorative two pound coins, based on the bicentenary of the birth of Isambard Kingdom Brunel. There may also be a "definitive" version in addition.
One features a magnificent view of Paddington Railway Station, one of Brunel's most famous works, while the other has a portrait of the man himself wearing his top hat.
Struck in both yellow and red 22 carat gold, the coin comes in a handsome presentation case of green leather with a numbered Certificate of Authenticity guaranteeing its provenance. The issue limit is 1,500 of each version.

Brunel - The Man
Isambard Kingdom Brunel's many achievements are of such importance that his personality and character tend to be overlooked. It was his determined nature, however, that enabled him to take on so many challenging projects and complete so many of the engineering feats that are still part of Britain's landscape today.
He was destined to follow in the footsteps of his father, Marc Isambard Brunel, who was a successful engineer in his own right. After being educated in France the young Brunel returned to England and at the age of sixteen began working with his father, from that time onwards dedicating himself to engineering.
Although his career was extremely important to him, Brunel made time for family life. He married Mary Horsley in 1836 and they had three children, but even at home he put his engineering skills to good use. Having accidentally swallowed a half sovereign when performing a trick for his children he hurriedly designed an apparatus which would swing his whole body upside down. Astonishingly, the invention was successful and the coin was dislodged.
Brunel's letters and journals give a fascinating insight into his character and the remarkable level of control that he exercised over every detail of his work. Quite apart from the engineering aspects of his designs, he was also closely involved with the aesthetic features, such as choosing the colours of the Great Western Railway's carriages and selecting the appropriate architectural ornamentation. He was a driven man and combining this with his practical knowledge and creativity he became one of Britain's greatest engineers.
The reverse design is by Rod Kelly.

Different Versions In addition to the gold proof version offered here, the £2 is being produced the following different versions, further details of which are shown on our other web site.

• Ordinary circulation version, which should be available from banks and post offices during the year.
• Specimen version, issued in Royal Mint folder. This has a superior finish compared with the ordinary coins, so will be preferred by most collectors. the folders are also very attractive and informative, and made interesting and unusual gifts.
• Silver Proof version, with the outer part gold plated.
• Piedfort proof version, similar but made double weight, with a lower mintage.

Obverse
The Fourth Portrait
The fourth of Queen Elizabeth II, designed by Ian Rank Broadley, FRBS, FSNAD, whose initials IRB appear under the head, as used on all British coins from 1998.

Reverse
One "Achievements" features a magnificent view of Paddington Railway Station, one of Brunel's most famous works, while the other "The Man" has a portrait of the man himself wearing his top hat, smoking a cigar, with a wheel and a bridge (Clifton Suspension?) in the background, and a chain border with two riveted plates, each bearing part of the inscription.
TWO
POUNDS
2006

Edge (The Man) 1806 - 1859 ISAMBARD KINGDOM BRUNEL ENGINEER

Edge (Achievements) SO MANY IRONS IN THE FIRE

Specifications

Prices & Availability
2006 Isambard Brunel 'Achievements' Gold Proof Two Pound Coin

2006 Isambard Brunel 'The Man' Gold Proof Two Pound Coin

2006 Isambard Brunel 'The Man & The Achievement' Gold Proof Two Pound Two Coin Set

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Postage & Packing
UK Registered Post (Special Delivery) £9 per order
EU Insured Post £10 per order
USA Airmail $10,
Insured Shipping $20
Canada Airmail $15,
Insured Shipping via Fedex $40