The coin design depicts the charismatic showman mid-performance, accompanied by his signature
Coin lovers in the UK can now grab hold of a piece of music history for under £20 – or go all in and splash out more than £9,000. Freddie Mercury is being honoured with a new coin design by the Royal Mint, an accolade that would have ‘meant the world’ to him, according to the Queen singer’s sister. The coin showcases the iconic performer mid-performance, complete with his signature.
The Royal Mint said its coin’s intricate details narrate the story of Mercury’s exceptional talent through meticulously designed elements. Mercury’s impressive four-octave vocal range is symbolised by a musical stave that encircles the edge of the coin, extending from bass to treble notes.
An edge design featuring a studded armband takes inspiration from Mercury’s outfit during the Live Aid performance. Some coins in the collection also incorporate colour, bringing Mercury’s yellow jacket to life and encapsulating his dynamic energy.
The release of the coin coincides with the 40th anniversary of the Live Aid concert in 1985, as well as the 40th anniversary of Mercury’s solo studio album, Mr Bad Guy, which was released in the same year.
The coin, which has been approved by Mercury Songs Limited, will be available for purchase from the Royal Mint website from 9am on Tuesday, November 18. Kashmira Bulsara, Mercury’s sister, visited the Royal Mint to strike the first coin.
She said: “Striking the first coin at the Royal Mint was such an emotional and proud moment for me. Freddie would have been absolutely delighted to see himself honoured in this way and to know that his family was part of bringing this tribute to life.
“He always had such respect for British traditions and institutions, and to have the Royal Mint celebrate his legacy with such beautiful artistry would have meant the world to him. The coin perfectly captures his passion and the joy he brought to millions through his music.”
Rebecca Morgan, director of commemorative coin at the Royal Mint, said: “Having Kashmira visit us to strike the first Freddie Mercury coin was incredibly moving and made this project even more special.
“Freddie Mercury wasn’t just a musician; he was a force of nature who transformed every stage he stepped onto. 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.”
Mercury, who remains cherished by countless fans for classics such as A Kind of Magic, We Will Rock You, I Want to Break Free, We Are the Champions, Don’t Stop Me Now, and Bohemian Rhapsody, passed away in 1991.
The Freddie Mercury collectable coin extends the Royal Mint’s established practice of honouring people who have left a lasting impact on the global stage.
Additional performers featured in the Mint’s ‘music legends’ coin collection include David Bowie, George Michael, Dame Shirley Bassey and Sir Paul McCartney.
The Royal Mint will also gift a gold proof version of the coin to the Mercury Phoenix Trust, the AIDS charity founded in his memory. The charity will auction the piece in the coming months, continuing Mercury’s mission to support people affected by HIV and AIDS.
Prices for the Freddie Mercury coins start at £18.50 for a brilliant uncirculated £5 denomination version and £29.50 for a brilliant uncirculated £5 denomination colour coin.
The collection also includes a 2oz gold proof coin in a £200 denomination, priced at £9,350. A 1oz silver proof £2 denomination colour coin is also available for £144.50.
In addition to being available for purchase on the Royal Mint website, a selection of the coins will also be available for purchase from the Freddie Mercury store.