We Will Rock You

As part of its ongoing Music Legends series, the Royal Mint pays tribute to one of the greatest showmen of all time, Freddie Mercury (1946-91), with its latest collectable coin. The piece captures the rock icon mid-performance at the height of his musical powers, showcasing Queen’s flamboyant frontman in full flow. 

The design’s intricate details tell the story of Mercury’s extraordinary talent through carefully crafted design elements. His legendary four-octave vocal range is represented by a musical stave that borders the coin, spanning from bass to treble notes. The studded armband edge design draws inspiration from his iconic Live Aid performance outfit, a nod to what many consider the greatest rock performance of all time. Some versions of the coin also feature color, bringing the singer’s famous yellow jacket to life and evoking his vibrant energy.

The coin is released in tandem with the 40th anniversary of Queen’s show-stealing performance at Live Aid in July 1985 and also the 40th anniversary of Mercury’s first solo studio album, Mr. Bad Guy. Mercury’s sister, Kashmira Bulsara, visited the Royal Mint to strike the first coin, making her an integral part of this historic tribute to her brother’s legacy. “Striking the first coin at the Royal Mint was such an emotional and proud moment for me,” Bulsara says. “Freddie would have been absolutely delighted to see himself honored in this way and to know that his family was part of bringing this tribute to life.”

In recognition of Mercury’s philanthropic legacy, the Royal Mint will gift a special gold proof 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.

The Freddie Mercury coins—including several versions in brilliant uncirculated, brilliant uncirculated color, silver proof, silver proof color, and gold proof finishes—are available now on the Royal Mint’s website.