As reported by Associated Press
The Royal Mint of the United Kingdom released a commemorative coin dedicated to Freddie Mercury, featuring a design that commemorates the 40th anniversary of the iconic frontman’s performance with Queen at the Live Aid charity festival.
The coin’s design depicts Mercury during the performance: he tilts his head back and grips the microphone stand; around the edge of the coin is a musical staff, symbolizing his four-octave vocal range.
The first coin was minted by Kashmira Bulsara, the musician’s sister, at the Royal Mint in Wales last week.
“Since Freddie died young, he never had the opportunity to receive a royal medal for his talents in the world of music. So having a royal coin in this way is wonderful and very fitting.”
– Kashmira Bulsara
Details of the Coin Release and Reactions
The Royal Mint’s Director of Commemorative Coin Issuance, Rebecca Morgan, said that now is the time to honor Mercury with his own coin.
According to her, the musician’s fans had urged this step. Morgan added that 2025 is the time to do it, as 40 years have passed since Mercury’s Live Aid performance in 1985, which many consider the greatest concert of all time.
“The time has come to do this.”
– Rebecca Morgan
This year also marks 40 years since the release of Mercury’s solo studio album Mr. Bad Guy.
Coins will go on sale on the Royal Mint’s website on Tuesday, 18 November. Prices for the non-circulating version of the £5 coin start at £18.50. The 2-ounce gold coin costs £9,350.
The Royal Mint will also present a special gold version of the coin to the Mercury Phoenix Trust charity, founded in memory of the singer and which provides support to people living with HIV/AIDS.
The Royal Mint has previously issued coins to honor other music legends – David Bowie, George Michael, Shirley Bassey, and Paul McCartney.
The commemorative coin “Country of Superheroes. Thank You to the Medics!” won the “Most Inspiring Coin” category and ranked among the world’s top 10 coins in the Coin of the Year contest.
