The Royal Mint is marking the 40th anniversary of Live Aid with a commemorative coin of Freddie Mercury.
The coin that features Mercury in full performance holding a microphone. The edge of the coin features the musical staff in representation of his four octave range.
Kashmira Bulsara – Mercury’s sister struck the first coin at the Royal Mint in Wales.
Speaking on the coin Bulsara said, “as Freddie died young, he didn’t get the chance of being awarded a royal medal for his talents in the music world. So to have a royal coin this way is wonderful and very fitting.”
She added, “the coin perfectly captures his passion and the joy he brought to millions through his music. I think the design is very impressive and they managed to catch the most iconic pose of Freddie, which is so recognizable worldwide.”
On sale now, prices start at 18.50 pounds ($24.4) for an uncirculated five pound denomination coin. A two ounce gold proof coin costs 9,350 pounds ($12,315).
The Royal Mint will be donating a special gold edition coin to the Mercury Phoenix Trust – a charity in Mercury’s memory for people with HIV and AIDS.
Director of commemorative coin at the Royal Mint Rebecca Morgan spoke on the coin noted that people have been “calling out” for a Freddie Mercury coin; adding “this felt like the year to do it.” “Thought by many to be the greatest live gig of all time,” 2025 marks the 40th anniversary of Live Aid.
This year also marks the 40th anniversary of “Mr. Bad Guy”, Mercury’s solo album.
Freddie Mercury died in 1991 at the age of 45 just 24 hours after revealing to the world that he had AIDS.
Freddie Mercury is the latest music artist to be commemorated with a coin; joining David Bowie, George Michael, Dame Shirley Bassey and Sir Paul McCartney