Arrival of the first steam train in Slovakia - 150th Anniversary

Silver 200 Sk coin

The Marchegg – Bratislava railway, constructed over the years 1844 – 1848, was the first steam-operated railway line in the territory of Slovakia, as well as the whole of the former Greater Hungary. During construction, the longest railway bridge over the river Morava (476 m) and one of the first long tunnels in Europe (703,6m) were built. In order to control the traffic between Gänserndorf and Bratislava, the first telegraph exchange link was established in Slovakia. The first train pulled by a steam locomotive arrived in Bratislava on August 20, 1848. The opening of this railway track laid the foundation for establishment of a railway network in Slovakia and created the conditions for linking Bratislava with the railway system in Europe.

Description of the coin

Obverse:
The obverse of the coin shows a steam train of the time emerging from Bratislava Tunnel. The name of the state SLOVENSKA REPUBLIKA is placed above the tunnel, and on the right margin of the coin are the coat of arms, the face value of the coin 200 Sk and the year of issue 1998.

Reverse:
The reverse of the coin shows the steam locomotive, which pulled the first train into Bratislava, and a view of Bratislava Castle and its surroundings. The text PRVY PARNY VLAK NA SLOVENSKU (The first steam train in Slovakia) and the dates 1848 – 1998, are given on the upper margin of the coin.