Freddie Mercury of Queen performs during Live Aid at Wembley Stadium on 13 July 1985. Photo:
Georges De Keerle/Getty Images
Freddie Mercury is the latest artist to join the legion of British musicians to be honored with a commemorative coin from the Royal Mint. The collectible unveiled by the company is printed with a portrait of the musician as well as his signature. The perimeter of the coin’s face includes a silver-studded pattern meant to resemble the belt he wore during the 1985 Live Aid concert, which celebrated its 40th anniversary earlier this year. It’s completed with a depiction of his four-octave range.
The first coin honoring Mercury was struck by his sister, Kashmira Bulsara. “As Freddie died young, he didn’t get the chance of being awarded a royal medal for his talents in the music world. So to have a royal coin this way is wonderful and very fitting,” Bulsara said. “The coin perfectly captures his passion and the joy he brought to millions through his music. I think the design is very impressive and they managed to catch the most iconic pose of Freddie, which is so recognizable worldwide.”
The Royal Mint shop carries multiple variations of the pressing, including a standard uncirculated coin, which is also available in color, as well as gold and silver proof versions. They range in price from £18.50 to £9,350. A special gold proof version will be donated to the Mercury Phoenix Trust. The AIDS charity founded in Mercury’s memory will auction the coin at a later date.
“Freddie Mercury wasn’t just a musician; he was a force of nature who transformed every stage he stepped onto,” Rebecca Morgan, Director of Commemorative Coin at The Royal Mint, said. “This coin captures that electric energy and celebrates a truly global icon whose influence continues to inspire generations. The level of detail in this design, from his signature to the musical stave representing his incredible vocal range, makes this one of our most special commemorative pieces.”
From Rolling Stone US.
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