Britain's Royal Mint has struck a special tribute to one of the nation's most iconic performers, Freddie Mercury, issuing a new commemorative coin to mark the 40th anniversary of his legendary Live Aid performance.
A Fitting Tribute from The Royal Mint
The first coin was personally struck by Freddie Mercury's sister, Kashmira Bulsara, during a ceremony at the Royal Mint's base in Wales last week. The design captures the Queen frontman in a moment of pure theatrical passion, his head thrown back as he grips his microphone stand mid-performance.
"As Freddie died young, he didn't get the chance of being awarded a royal medal for his talents in the music world," Ms Bulsara remarked. "So to have a royal coin this way is wonderful and very fitting." She added that the design perfectly encapsulates his energy and the immense joy his music brought to millions across the globe.
Celebrating a Pivotal Year
Rebecca Morgan, the Royal Mint's Director of Commemorative Coin, confirmed that the timing was perfect to honour the music legend. She noted that fans had been "calling out" for such a tribute and that this year felt right, as it marks four decades since Mercury's unforgettable set at the 1985 Live Aid concert, an event often hailed as the greatest live gig of all time.
This significant year also commemorates the 40th anniversary of the release of Mercury's solo studio album, "Mr Bad Guy." The singer passed away in 1991 at the age of 45, just one day after publicly announcing he was HIV positive.
Acquiring a Piece of Music History
The new Freddie Mercury coins went on sale via the Royal Mint's official website. Collectors can acquire an uncirculated version with a £5 denomination starting from £18.50. For those seeking an ultimate collector's item, a 2 oz. gold proof coin is available for £9,350.
In a move that honours the singer's legacy, the Royal Mint will donate a special gold edition of the coin to the Mercury Phoenix Trust. This is the charity established in the singer's memory, which provides funds to support those living with AIDS and HIV around the world.
The Royal Mint has a history of celebrating British music icons with special coinage, having previously released tributes to artists including David Bowie, George Michael, Shirley Bassey, and Paul McCartney.
