George Michael Centre Stage on Coin

The Royal Mint is paying tribute to singer-songwriter George Michael on an official UK coin, which is the latest in the Mint’s Music Legends series, following issues honouring David Bowie,

Elton John and Queen. Officially approved by George Michael’s estate, the coin pays tribute to Michael’s iconic second solo hit single ‘Faith’ and follows Wham!’s ‘Last Christmas’ reaching number one in the UK chart, 39 years after its initial release.

Designed by artist and sculptor Sandra Deiana, the new coin portrays the famous headshot of Michael wearing his trademark sunglasses and an engraving of the refrain of ‘Faith’. The colours black and red, which were used prominently throughout his career, feature on a selection of the collectables. Sandra Deiana said: ‘From the beginning of the project, I was clear about certain elements that I wanted to incorporate into the design. I wanted a detailed portrait that captured his charismatic expression – I was particularly thinking of his iconic sunglasses. It’s amazing to be able to pay tribute to his music and what you see in the design is truly a piece of George Michael’s song.’

Singer-songwriter and producer, George Michael is considered one of the world’s most influential recording artists, with hits such as ‘Careless Whisper’, ‘Faith’, ‘Freedom! ‘90’ and ‘Last Christmas’. He rose to fame in the 1980s as a member of the duo Wham!, selling over 30 million records. He later embarked on a solo career and sold over 125 million records worldwide and is one of the best-selling musicians of all time, topping the Billboard Hot 100 chart eight times in the US and hitting the

No.1 spot on the UK singles charts seven times as a solo artist, redefining pop music in the process. He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2023. Since his sudden death at the age of 53 on Christmas Day 2016, numerous stories of his philanthropy have emerged.

The George Michael collectable coin is available as limitededition precious metal proof finishes, brilliant uncirculated and colour versions.