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The
first coin was struck by Mercury’s sister Kashmira Bulsara at
the Royal Mint in Wales last week.
“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,” she
said.
“The coin perfectly captures his passion and the joy he brought
to millions through his music," she added. “I think the design
is very impressive and they managed to catch the most iconic
pose of Freddie, which is so recognizable worldwide.”
The Royal Mint’s director of commemorative coin, Rebecca Morgan,
said the timing was perfect for Mercury to be celebrated with
his own coin. She said fans had been “calling out” for it and
“this felt like the year to do it," because it’s 40 years since
he captivated audiences at the 1985 Live Aid concert, hailed by
many as the greatest live gig of all time.
This year also marks the 40th anniversary of Mercury’s solo
studio album, “Mr Bad Guy.”
Mercury died at age 45 in 1991, just one day after he publicly
announced he was HIV positive.
The Royal Mint has issued special coins to celebrate other music
legends including David Bowie, George Michael, Shirley Bassey
and Paul McCartney.
The coins go on sale on the Royal Mint website on Tuesday.
Prices start at 18.50 pounds ($24.4) for an uncirculated 5-pound
denomination version. A 2 oz. gold proof coin costs 9,350 pounds
($12,315.)
The Royal Mint said it will donate a special gold edition of the
coin to the Mercury Phoenix Trust, a charity that was started in
the singer's memory and donates funds to those living with AIDS
and HIV.
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