Freddie Mercury Honored With Royal Mint Coin Marking 40 Years Since Live Aid
Freddie Mercury has been commemorated with a new collectible from the Royal Mint, joining the ranks of influential British musicians celebrated through special-edition currency. The coin, unveiled this week, features a portrait of the late Queen frontman alongside his signature and design elements referencing one of the most defining performances of his career.
The face of the coin includes a silver-accented pattern inspired by the belt Mercury wore during Queen’s landmark set at the 1985 Live Aid concert, which marked its 40th anniversary this year. The design also incorporates a visual representation of his four-octave vocal range, further anchoring the piece in musical symbolism.
Mercury’s sister, Kashmira Bulsara, struck the first coin during a ceremony marking the launch. She noted the significance of the tribute, emphasizing that her brother’s early death prevented him from receiving many of the career-spanning honors he might otherwise have earned.
“Freddie died young, and he didn’t have the chance to be recognized with a royal medal for his contributions to music,” Bulsara said. “To honor him in this way feels both meaningful and appropriate. The design captures his passion, the energy he brought to every performance, and an image that is instantly recognizable around the world.”
The Royal Mint is offering several versions of the collectible, ranging from a standard uncirculated edition, available in both traditional and color-enhanced formats, to limited gold and silver proof pressings. Prices range from £18.50 to £9,350, depending on the edition and level of craftsmanship. A special gold proof coin will be donated to the Mercury Phoenix Trust, the AIDS charity created in Mercury’s memory, and will be auctioned at a later date to support the organization’s work.
Rebecca Morgan, Director of Commemorative Coin at the Royal Mint, emphasized the cultural impact that guided the design process. “Freddie Mercury was more than a musician; he was a transformative performer whose influence continues to resonate globally,” Morgan said. “This coin aims to capture that vitality and honor a figure whose artistry left a lasting mark on music and popular culture. The intricate details, from his signature to the musical stave representing his remarkable vocal range, make this release one of our most distinctive commemorative pieces.”
Mercury, who died in 1991 at age 45, remains one of the most celebrated frontmen in rock history. His commanding stage presence, technical vocal ability, and songwriting helped shape Queen’s identity and enduring legacy. The Live Aid performance honored through this coin is widely regarded as one of the most memorable live sets of the 20th century, cementing his status as a singular force in music.
The commemorative coin is now available through the Royal Mint’s official website and retail outlets.
