John Lennon’s legacy is honored on a new U.K. commemorative coin by The Royal Mint. The coin celebrating Lennon’s life and record-breaking career as an artist coincides with the year in which he would have celebrated his 85th birthday.
Its design features a portrait of John Lennon based on a photo taken by Bob Gruen – one of the most respected photographers in the music industry. It depicts a side profile shot of Lennon, taken on the roof of his penthouse in New York City. John Lennon’s name appears to the left of the portrait while the word ‘Imagine’ features on the right side of the design – a special nod to the artist’s single and album. The coin was designed by Henry Gray.
Rebecca Morgan, Director of Commemorative Coin at The Royal Mint, said, “Arguably one of the greatest singers and songwriters of all time, Lennon’s achievements as an artist, activist and advocate for peace continues to live on and will now be forever remembered on a coin. Lennon’s portrait has been captured in meticulous detail and in a fitting tribute will be released in the year which the artist would have celebrated his 85th birthday. Still admired by millions of people and generations worldwide, we hope this coin and its design will be treasured for many years to come.”
John Lennon is the next music artist to form part of The Royal Mint’s ongoing Music Legends coin series, celebrating the greatest singer and songwriters in British history. Lennon follows the likes of Queen, The Rolling Stones, Shirley Bassey, and Paul McCartney in being honored on their very own U.K. coin.
As a founder of The Beatles and also as a solo artist, Lennon won seven GRAMMY Awards, including two Lifetime Achievement Awards, Five BRIT Awards including two Special Awards for Outstanding Contribution to Music, 21 NME Awards, 15 Ivor Novellos, and an Oscar. He has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame and has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In 2008, Rolling Stone ranked Lennon in the Top 5 of the magazine’s “100 Greatest Singers Of All Time” list.
John Lennon fans and collectors will have their opportunity to secure a coin starting on March 17, 2025, when the full collection becomes available via The Royal Mint’s website. Prices of the coin start at £18.50 and will be available in a range of precious metals with also color editions of the coin also available exclusively from The Royal Mint.
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