The second in a series of three coins that showcases some of the locomotives that defined an era, and helped shape Canada’s history as a nation!The 20th century ushered in an era of consolidation and technological innovation in Canada’s railway history. The second coin in the Locomotives Across Canada series commemorates the end of the golden age of steam locomotives, and the introduction of a new technology that continues to power today’s trains: the diesel-electric locomotive. The selective application of gold plating shines the spotlight on the locomotive, while the gold-plated rim and effigy on the obverse ensure an elegance that makes this a truly exceptional keepsake.
The reverse design by Canadian artist John Mantha looks back at the first wave of diesel-electric locomotives that were introduced in Canada in the 1940s and 1950s. Used by the Roberval and Saguenay Railway, the RS 20 was the first diesel road locomotive manufactured in Canada, and was built in 1949 by Montreal Locomotive Works. The selective application of gold plating places the focus on the early RS-2 road-switcher, which is made all the more visible thanks to the tiger-striped pattern, painted at the front. The rail yard in the engraved background is bustling with activity, and typifies the environment in which these versatile workhorses shine.
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