2008 London Olympic Games of 1908 £2 Proof Coin in Capsule

Description

After originally being planned to take place in Rome, the 1908 Olympic Games were moved to London when Mount Vesuvius erupted and money was needed to rebuild the city instead. The White City Stadium was quickly built, and featured a running track, cycling track on the outside of this, and a swimming and diving pool in the middle – almost all the Olympic events were held in this one stadium.

This £2 coin designed by Thomas T Docherty shows a running track with “1908” within it. This is surrounded by “London Olympic Centenary” and the edge inscription states “THE FOURTH OLYMPIAD LONDON”. The obverse used is Ian Rank-Broadley’s design.