Remember George Michael’s legacy with these new commemorative coins
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The United Kingdom’s Royal Mint has recently unveiled a stunning tribute to one of the world's most beloved pop icons, George Michael.
It released commemorative coins of the late artist, which extend beyond the monetary value for collectors.
They are also poignant memorabilia of a music legend who has left an indelible mark on the world of pop and beyond.
The commemorative coins, available in gold, silver, and a striking silver, red and black variant, are a must-have for any fan of the late singer.
The coin's design is a fitting homage to the star, featuring Michael in his iconic aviator sunglasses and cross-shaped earring—a look synonymous with his 1987 solo single, ‘Faith’.
The reverse side of the coin is engraved with the song's refrain, a nod to one of his most popular hits.
The Royal Mint has confirmed that the coin's design received approval from Michael's estate.
A representative from George Michael Entertainment expressed deep honour at the tribute, stating that the singer, who passed away in 2016 at the age of 53, would have been 'enormously proud and genuinely touched that a national institution should have decided to pay tribute to his memory in this way'.
King Charles and the privy council also gave the production of the coins the green light. If you want to snag these coins, they are available in denominations of 50p (95 cents), £2 ($4 AUD), £10 ($20 AUD), £25 ($48 AUD), £100 ($194 AUD), and £200 ($388 AUD).
This release is part of a broader series of coins that honour other music legends, as well as cultural icons such as James Bond, Star Wars, and Robin Hood.
Rebecca Morgan, the Royal Mint's Director of Collector Services, expressed her delight at the release.
'From his debut with Wham! to becoming one of the bestselling solo musicians of all time, George Michael is a global superstar whose work has inspired and influenced generations with his music and his unique style,’ she said.
‘Loved by millions of fans worldwide, we are delighted to be introducing an official UK coin celebrating his life and legacy.’
The coin was designed by Sandra Deiana, who aimed to capture Michael's 'piercing gaze and charismatic expression' in her detailed portrait.
With this release, Michael joins the ranks of other music legends such as The Police, Dame Shirley Bassey—the only female musician to be commemorated on a coin—The Rolling Stones, The Who, Elton John, Queen, and David Bowie in the Royal Mint’s Music Legends Collection.
This coin is the latest in a series of posthumous honours for Michael.
In December 2023, Wham!’s 1984 single 'Last Christmas' was No. 3 on the Australian Billboard Charts.
In June, Netflix released the documentary Wham!, which covered Michael’s early years in pop alongside Andrew Ridgeley, beginning in 1981, before he went solo in 1987.
The George Michael commemorative coins are available to all collectors worldwide. You can shop at the UK’s Royal Mint website here.
Meanwhile, back home Down Under, the Perth Mint released a limited edition coin featuring the new king’s portrait in January.
This came after the passing of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022, whose effigy had graced Australian currency for an impressive 70 years. You can learn more about it here.
What do you think of these commemorative coins, members? Are you a fan of George Michael's music? Let us know in the comments below!
It released commemorative coins of the late artist, which extend beyond the monetary value for collectors.
They are also poignant memorabilia of a music legend who has left an indelible mark on the world of pop and beyond.
The commemorative coins, available in gold, silver, and a striking silver, red and black variant, are a must-have for any fan of the late singer.
The coin's design is a fitting homage to the star, featuring Michael in his iconic aviator sunglasses and cross-shaped earring—a look synonymous with his 1987 solo single, ‘Faith’.
The reverse side of the coin is engraved with the song's refrain, a nod to one of his most popular hits.
The Royal Mint released commemorative coins featuring the late George Michael. Credit: Royal Mint
The Royal Mint has confirmed that the coin's design received approval from Michael's estate.
A representative from George Michael Entertainment expressed deep honour at the tribute, stating that the singer, who passed away in 2016 at the age of 53, would have been 'enormously proud and genuinely touched that a national institution should have decided to pay tribute to his memory in this way'.
King Charles and the privy council also gave the production of the coins the green light. If you want to snag these coins, they are available in denominations of 50p (95 cents), £2 ($4 AUD), £10 ($20 AUD), £25 ($48 AUD), £100 ($194 AUD), and £200 ($388 AUD).
This release is part of a broader series of coins that honour other music legends, as well as cultural icons such as James Bond, Star Wars, and Robin Hood.
Rebecca Morgan, the Royal Mint's Director of Collector Services, expressed her delight at the release.
'From his debut with Wham! to becoming one of the bestselling solo musicians of all time, George Michael is a global superstar whose work has inspired and influenced generations with his music and his unique style,’ she said.
‘Loved by millions of fans worldwide, we are delighted to be introducing an official UK coin celebrating his life and legacy.’
The coin was designed by Sandra Deiana, who aimed to capture Michael's 'piercing gaze and charismatic expression' in her detailed portrait.
With this release, Michael joins the ranks of other music legends such as The Police, Dame Shirley Bassey—the only female musician to be commemorated on a coin—The Rolling Stones, The Who, Elton John, Queen, and David Bowie in the Royal Mint’s Music Legends Collection.
This coin is the latest in a series of posthumous honours for Michael.
In December 2023, Wham!’s 1984 single 'Last Christmas' was No. 3 on the Australian Billboard Charts.
In June, Netflix released the documentary Wham!, which covered Michael’s early years in pop alongside Andrew Ridgeley, beginning in 1981, before he went solo in 1987.
The George Michael commemorative coins are available to all collectors worldwide. You can shop at the UK’s Royal Mint website here.
Meanwhile, back home Down Under, the Perth Mint released a limited edition coin featuring the new king’s portrait in January.
This came after the passing of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022, whose effigy had graced Australian currency for an impressive 70 years. You can learn more about it here.
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