RAILWAYS - TRANS EUROP EXPRESSID92910067
As the current year of 2021 is the European Year of Rail and also marks the 80th anniversary of Renfe, we wish to dedicate the collection to the history of the railway so as to draw our customers closer to the evolution of one of mankind’s most important modes of transport.
The collection consists of 20 coins: 15 issued in 2021 and the other five, in 2022.
On the obverse, an image in colour of a Trans Europ Express locomotive. On top of the central image, the legend TEE – TRANS EUROP EXPRESS. Outside the image, devices reminiscent of different rails.
On the reverse of all the coins, inside a central circle, the legend HISTORIA DEL FERROCARRIL (HISTORY OF THE RAILWAY). Underneath, the value of the coin: €1.5 EURO. Outside the central circle, an image of a railway track.
| Series | History of Railways |
| Year | 2021 |
| Colour | Yes |
| Diameter (mm) | 33 |
| Face Value (Euro) | 1.5 |
| Metal | Cupronickel |
| Weight (g) | 15 |
| Maximum Mintage (units) | 7,000 |
HISTORY OF THE RAILWAY - TRANS EUROP EXPRESS
Trans Europe Express (TEE)
The Aquitaine
Year of production: 1
Maker: F Ferroviaria
Country: France
Traction: E
Transport: Passengers
Total weight: T.
Total length: m.
Maximum load per axle: T.
Top speed: km/h
Engine power:
After the Second World War, the transport market started to undergo rapid change as commercial aviation gained ground. This, combined with the establishment of a common European economic space, led to a considerable rise in demand for international mobility. While this was going on, rail travel remained weighed down by hefty Customs charges and the inevitable changeover of convoys.
It was in this setting that forward-thinking Dutchman F.Q. den Hollander came up with the Trans Europ Express (TEE) in the 1950s. The idea consisted in the provision of a European luxury express service which, in addition to improving the quality of supply, would overcome those stumbling blocks.
The TEE network was presented in1957 by Holland and Switzerland, to be joined not long afterwards by Germany, France, Belgium and Italy. Initially, the trains consisted of a diesel locomotive and three first-class carriages fitted with the novel features of air conditioning to maintain an ideal temperature and double glazing to reduce noise. Being luxury trains, there was more room for the passenger and each seat had a side table for meals or working on.
Although a number of common characteristics was established so as to make the trains easily recognisable, such as the initials TEE engraved in metal on a red background, each country chose its own arrangement. Particularly noteworthy was the French train, the Aquitaine, which covered the route between Paris-Austerlitz and Bordeaux-Saint-Jean from 1971 to 1984. With an average speed of 145 km/h and a top speed of 220 km/h, it ranked as the fastest train in Europe. As it was designed for business passengers, it did not run on Saturdays. As time went by, more stops were included on the route. In 1984, the Aquitaine lost its TEE status and was withdrawn in 1990 when the SNCF put a TGV into circulation to cover the Paris-Bordeaux route.