Fine Art & Antiques

George Michael takes centre stage on new collectable coin

Coin follows similar ones celebrating David Bowie, Elton John and Queen

George Michael performing in London in 2005. Photograph: MJ Kim/Getty Images

Sat Mar 2 2024 - 04:45

A collectable coin celebrating George Michael has been unveiled by Britain’s Royal Mint.

The coin features the singer-songwriter’s signature look from his debut solo album Faith.

It is the latest in the Mint’s Music Legends series, following David Bowie, Elton John and Queen.

Designed by artist and sculptor Sandra Deiana, the new collectable coin portrays a headshot of Michael wearing his trademark sunglasses and an engraving of the refrain of Faith. The colours black and red feature on a selection of the coins.

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Undated handout photo issued by the Royal Mint of their new George Michael Coin in its limited-edition precious metal proof finishes, Brilliant Uncirculated and colour versions. The Royal Mint unveils a new collectable coin celebrating the British singer-songwriter. Designed by artist and sculptor Sandra Deiana, the coin portrays the singer wearing his trademark sunglasses and an engraving of the refrain of "Faith". Issue date: Monday February 26, 2024. PA Photo. See PA story MONEY Coin. Photo credit should read: Royal Mint/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used in for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.

The Mint said the coin has been officially approved by Michael’s estate.

Ms Deiana said: “From the beginning of the project, I was clear about certain elements that I wanted to incorporate into the design. I wanted a detailed portrait that captured his charismatic expression – I was particularly thinking of his iconic sunglasses.

“It’s amazing to be able to pay tribute to his music and what you see in the design is truly a piece of George Michael’s song.”

Rebecca Morgan, director of collector services at the Royal Mint, said: “From his debut with Wham! to becoming one of the best-selling 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.

“Loved by millions of fans worldwide, we are delighted to be introducing an official UK coin celebrating his life and legacy.”

Michael died on Christmas Day in 2016, aged 53. He has been remembered for his philanthropy as well as his musical talent as one of the best-selling musicians of all time, with numerous stories of his compassion, kindness and generosity having emerged.

[ George Michael: Quiet philanthropist who helped thousands ]

He rose to fame in the 1980s as a member of Wham!, which formed after Michael and Andrew Ridgeley met at Bushey Meads School in Hertfordshire.

[ George Michael (1963-2016): effortless and free – the best way to remember him ]

A statement from George Michael Entertainment said: “On behalf of George Michael, we are deeply honoured that the Royal Mint is paying tribute to him by creating a series of beautifully crafted coins. He would have been enormously proud and genuinely touched that a national institution should have decided to pay tribute to his memory in this way.”

The collectable coins are now available to purchase from the Royal Mint’s website.

Prices for the coins start from £15.50 (€18.15) for a £5 denomination brilliant uncirculated coin, with a colour version available for £24.50.

A 2oz gold coin, with a denomination of £200, is available for £5,305.

[ Commemorative Phil Lynott coin launched by Central Bank (2019) ]

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