United Kingdom. New Gold and Silver Proof Coins Dedicated to a True Pioneer of British music.

The on-going series, first launched in 2020 celebrates the greatest singers and songwriters in British history. Since their initial release, the programme has proved hugely popular with collectors and music fans, delivering nearly half a million coins to enthusiasts in 108 countries around the world. The latest range of Music Legends coins celebrates a real British cultural icon who left an indelible mark on the world stage – the incomparable Freddie Mercury. When it comes to music legends, Freddie Mercury is an undisputed name in the industry.

An extraordinary performer whose voice and showmanship defined generations, Mercury is widely considered to be one of the greatest performers to have ever graced the stage. An iconic figure in the annals of music history, a trailblazer of both his genre and his era, many will remember his legendary four-octave vocal range and unforgettable presence. From his early days with Queen through to his final performances, Mercury’s legacy as one of Britain’s greatest entertainers is firmly entrenched in the minds of his fans the world over. He wrote many of Queen’s biggest hits, including Bohemian Rhapsody, We Are the Champions and Don’t Stop Me Now.

Freddie Mercury wasn’t just a musician, many considered him a true force of nature who transformed every stage he stepped onto exuding energy, charisma, and ability to captivate a crowd. The release of these coins coincides with the 40th anniversary of Queen’s show-stealing performance at Live Aid in July 1985 and also the 40th anniversary of Freddie’s first solo studio album, ‘Mr. Bad Guy’. Mercury’s public acknowledgment of his HIV/AIDS diagnosis in 1991 helped to challenge the secrecy and stigma surrounding the disease at the time.  He died on the 24th November the same year at the age of 45. Before his death, he expressed a wish to be remembered as a musician of ‘substance and worth’.

The reverse side designed by Henry Gray who was inspired by a series of photographs taken of the singer in his definitive pose while performing in Manchester in 1986, on what would also be his last tour with Queen. Mercury wore a yellow military-style jacket and colour is added to highlight the jacket on silver proof and base metal BU examples. To the lower left is a facsimile of Mercury’s signature and to the upper right, the text FREDDIE MERCURY is superimposed over a circular musical stave that runs around the edge of the coin, spanning from bass to treble notes. The primary design is surrounded with stylised studs reminiscent of the studded armband from his iconic Live Aid performance outfit. The obverse side includes the effigy of HM King Charles III created by engraver Martin Jennings. Both the denomination ranging from 50 PENCE to 200 POUNDS and the year of issue, 2025 is shown as part of the legend surrounding the King’s likeness.

Available from the 18^th November, the BU Cupro-nickel coins are presented in a blister-pak type folder with illustrations and informative text about the life of Freddie Mercury. The silver proof strikes are encapsulated and presented in black branded custom cases and accompanied with a numbered certificate of authenticity. The 1/40^th ounce gold proof coin is enclosed in a heat-sealed presentation card with specifications shown on the reverse side. The larger gold pieces are encapsulated and presented in gloss-polished hardwood custom cases accompanied with a certificate of authenticity. For additional information, please visit the e-webshop of the Royal Mint.

In a fitting tribute to Mercury’s personal philanthropic legacy, The Royal Mint will also give a special gold proof version of the coin to the Mercury Phoenix Trust, the AIDS charity founded in his memory. The charity will auction this unique piece in the coming months, continuing Mercury’s mission to support those affected by HIV and AIDS.