The late Queen singer Freddie Mercury has been honored with a commemorative coin from the U.K.’s Royal Mint, which celebrates the 40th anniversary of the 1985 Live Aid concert. The coin features his portrait, signature, and a silver-studded pattern inspired by his iconic belt, along with a depiction of his four-octave vocal range. The first coin was struck by Mercury’s sister, Kashmira Bulsara, who 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.” The collection includes various editions ranging from £18.50 to £9,350, with a special gold proof coin set to be auctioned off by the Mercury Phoenix Trust, the AIDS charity founded in the singer’s memory. “This coin celebrates a truly global icon whose influence continues to inspire generations,” says Rebecca Morgan, Director of Commemorative Coin at the Royal Mint. (Rolling Stone)
