An artist that is as legendary as Sir Elton John has been receiving loads of recognition and honour throughout his career. However, there’s always a next step. For Elton John, one of the next steps has now happened: He is being honoured in Royal Mint’s new series of commemorative coins – as the second artist to ever be featured on such a unique coin.
The coins are on sale from today, June 6, at 9am. They are available in gold, silver and brilliant uncirculated editions. The coin shows Elton John with some of his famous, significant features like the straw boater hat, the Union Jack and a pair of quaver notes. It was designed by Bradley Morgan Johnson, a UK-based artist and digital sculptor.
The singer himself is very excited about the coin. “It really is a fabulous honour to be recognised in this way”, the 73-year-old expressed his gratitude. “The last few years have contained some of the most memorable moments of my career, and this is another truly humbling milestone on my journey.”
It just wouldn't be Elton John without a splash of colour – and let's face it, we could all do with a little brightness right now. Here is a behind the scenes video following the colour printing process! More >> https://t.co/ZzTxL06frk @eltonofficial pic.twitter.com/6JvnAWvMf9
— The Royal Mint (@RoyalMintUK) July 6, 2020
“Elton John is without a doubt a British music legend and is recognised as one of the most successful singer-songwriters of his generation”, Clare Maclennan, Divisional Director of Commemorative Coin and the Royal Mint Experience, declared. “We are delighted to honour Elton’s significant contribution to British music on a UK coin. This is the second coin in the Royal Mint’s new Music Legends series, marking the work of our exceptional British musicians.”
Back in January, Queen were the first act to be minted on the “Music Legends” collection, which made them the first band to ever be honoured on a UK currency. “To have our band recognised and our music celebrated in this way is very touching – a real honour”, guitarist Brian May has said about the coin with the Queen logo on it.
As the “Music Legends” commemorative coins are a new series, we can probably expect some other coins featuring artists in the future.
