In a moment that echoed a bygone era, steam, steel and history came together in a spectacular launch event at Sydney’s iconic Central Station.
With a thunderous hiss and a cloud of white steam, a restored locomotive pulled into Platform 1, marking the official release of the 2025 50c Coloured Uncirculated Seven-Coin Set – Steam Giants: Australian Rail Heritage Collection by the Royal Australian Mint.
The launch brought railway heritage to life as commuters and collectors watched history roll in on iron wheels. The event not only unveiled a striking new coin set, but celebrated Australia’s vivid legacy of steam-powered innovation that connected a nation and forged its identity.
Royal Australian Mint acting Chief Executive Officer, Emily Martin said that unveiling the collection with a steam locomotive arriving at Central Station felt deeply symbolic.
“These engines changed the way Australians lived, worked and travelled. This coin set tells that story with precision and passion — and today’s launch captured that sense of awe.
“Among the giants featured is South Australia Railways No. 520 ‘Sir Malcolm Barclay-Harvey’, which ran alongside the Flying Scotsman during its 1989 Australian tour — a historic meeting of international legends.
“Another great story of life in the rail yards is that of a 15-year-old Bathurst boy who started on the railways as a shop boy. By 18, he was a fireman, feeding coal into steam engines and, at 27, he was a locomotive driver steering his trains through some of the most challenging routes in the country.
“That young driver was Joseph Benedict (Ben) Chifley, who would later become Australia’s 16th Prime Minister.
“This coin set tells these stories,” Ms Martin said.
Looking dandy in vintage clothes straight out of the steam age, David Hampton, award-winning curator and steam locomotive expert said he was honoured to have been part of the coin project from the beginning.
“Australia has such a rich railway heritage. The locomotives selected for this series demonstrate the diversity of our shared histories both on and off the tracks. It was a delight to highlight these nationally significant stories and celebrate the work museums and heritage groups across the country do to preserve these steam giants,” Mr Hampton said.
Transport Heritage NSW Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Moritz said the release evoked a rare mix of nostalgia and national pride, echoing memories of a time when rail was the pulse of the nation.
“We’re proud to see New South Wales’ rich railway heritage honoured by the Royal Australian Mint. Beyer-Garratt 6029 is the largest and most powerful steam locomotive still in operation in Australia today. It stands as a symbol of innovation, strength and the vital role of the railways in shaping our country,” Mr Moritz said.
The Steam Giants: Australian Rail Heritage collection captures the might of Australia’s largest and most iconic steam locomotives, each chosen to represent a different state.
Designed with intricate engraving and vibrant colour, the coins reflect the power and personality of these engineering marvels — many of which still inspire railway enthusiasts across the country.
The set includes:
AD60 Class Beyer-Garratt 6029 (NSW) – The largest operating steam locomotive in the Southern Hemisphere
No. 1009 Beyer-Garratt (QLD) – A survivor of the tropics, known for its bold red and yellow livery
SAR 520 Class No. 520 (SA) – A streamlined wartime passenger engine under passionate restoration
G Class G1 (Commonwealth Railways) – Pioneer of the Trans-Australian Railway across the Nullarbor
Q Class Q5 (TAS) – Tasmania’s last ‘Mountain’ locomotive
H220 ‘Heavy Harry’ (VIC) – Australia’s largest non-articulated steam engine, a freight legend
V Class V1220 (WA) – Built to help rejuvenate the Western Australian Railways after the Second World War
The coins are housed in premium display cards that can be stored in a stunning collection folder. The folder tells the story of each train and includes archival articles on their history and preservation.
“Each coin in the set is a miniature monument to machines that had such an impact on Australia’s rail history. Telling their stories is a way of honouring that history — and ensuring it keeps rolling into the future,” Ms Martin said.
“We’re incredibly proud of this release. It’s a celebration of the powerful, moving legacy that Australia’s steam giants have left behind.”
For your chance to secure the Steam Giants: Australian Rail Heritage collection, enter the EQL Ballot, which will run from 8:30am Tuesday 5 August to 8:30am Thursday 7 August.
From 8.30am Thursday 7 August, the coin release is available from:
Mint Shop (Royal Australian Mint, Deakin, ACT)
Mint Contact Centre (1300 652 020)
Participating Authorised Distributors.
