2004 150 Years of Steam Railways in Australia 1854 - 2004 Five Dollar Silver Proof Coin

The first steam train left Flinders Street Station for Sandridge (Port Melbourne).

A $5 silver proof coin has been chosen by the Royal Australian Mint to feature a steam train emerging from the Australian landscape, recognising the significance of this event in the development of the whole of the country.

On 3rd July 1850 the daughter of the NSW governor turned the turf to mark the commencement of the construction of Australia's first railway. The Sydney Railway Company had taken the first steps in realising a dream of linking the productive rural districts with the heart of the commercial development in the cities.

However, the attraction of instant wealth on the gold fields interrupted the works. It was May 1855 before the first train left Sydney Station for Long Cove. Meanwhile, with rivalry between the colonies running at a high, the Hobson's Bay Railway Company had completed a line between Flinders Street and Port Melbourne.

The first train left on 12th September 1854 before a large gathering. Complimenting the coin is the packaging; the leatherette presentation case being inspired by the leather upholstery of the early steam trains and a booklet capturing the historic milestones in the 150 years since the first steam railway was opened.

The mintage of this coin is limited to 15,000.