New coin honors Freddie Mercury and his 4-octave range

The Royal Mint of Britain has unveiled a special commemorative coin honoring the legendary Queen frontman Freddie Mercury, celebrating the 40th anniversary of his iconic Live Aid performance in 1985. The coin, designed with meticulous detail, features Mercury in his signature pose—head thrown back, gripping the microphone stand—capturing the essence of his electrifying stage presence. A musical stave encircling the coin symbolizes his extraordinary four-octave vocal range, a testament to his unparalleled talent. The first coin was ceremoniously struck by Mercury’s sister, Kashmira Bulsara, at the Royal Mint in Wales. Bulsara expressed her delight, stating, ‘This coin is a fitting tribute to Freddie’s legacy and the joy he brought to millions through his music.’ Rebecca Morgan, the Royal Mint’s director of commemorative coins, emphasized the perfect timing of the release, noting that fans had long awaited such a tribute. The coin’s launch coincides with the 40th anniversary of Mercury’s solo album, ‘Mr Bad Guy,’ and follows the Mint’s tradition of honoring music legends like David Bowie and Paul McCartney. Available for purchase on the Royal Mint’s website, the coins range from 18.50 pounds for an uncirculated version to 9,350 pounds for a 2 oz. gold proof edition. Additionally, a special gold edition will be donated to the Mercury Phoenix Trust, a charity established in Mercury’s memory to support those affected by HIV and AIDS.