LONDON — The iconic musician Paul McCartney is set to be recognized with a unique series of coins from the Royal Mint.
This collection celebrates the legacy of the former Beatles member, who has continued to influence the music world since the band’s dissolution in 1970.
The mint announced on Friday that the special coin range will feature McCartney’s contributions to music, along with traditional imagery associated with British coins, including an effigy of King Charles III.
The collection will include various finishes and even colored editions, with the highlight being a 2-ounce gold proof coin.
Although it carries a face value of 200 pounds ($255), it is expected to retail for approximately 5,890 pounds ($7,510).
While these coins are technically legal tender, their high prices make it impractical to use them for everyday purchases, such as attending a McCartney concert.
Part of what makes this coin collection special is its design, which showcases some of McCartney’s notable musical artifacts, including his famous Magic Piano.
This vibrant upright piano was first utilized by McCartney back in 1967 while he was still with the Beatles.
A replica was commissioned for his 1989/1990 world tour and continues to be a part of his subsequent performances.
The coins also include other significant elements from McCartney’s career, like his well-known Höfner Violin Bass guitar, the logo of his post-Beatles band Wings, and even his autograph.
In reflecting on this unique honor, McCartney expressed his astonishment, stating, “This feels like a huge honor… It’s not anything I would have ever expected to happen when I was a kid.”
Additionally, the Royal Mint has crafted a special plectrum-shaped coin to present as a gift to the 82-year-old musician, reminiscent of his early days when he used coins as guitar picks.
This collection is included in the Royal Mint’s Music Legends series, which also honors other major artists like David Bowie, George Michael, and the Rolling Stones.
Rebecca Morgan, the Director of Commemorative Coin at The Royal Mint, conveyed the significance of this tribute, stating, “Our coins recognize the greatest icons and events in British history, so it’s fitting that Paul McCartney’s remarkable music career is now celebrated on an official U.K. coin.”
She further added that McCartney was involved in the design process, making the coin even more unique.
Moreover, the mint plans to auction off a signed gold version of McCartney’s coin.
This extravagant piece, weighing five kilograms, took over 250 hours to create, including three days dedicated to polishing.
McCartney signed this special gold coin during his 2024 “Got Back” tour in Paris, and it will be available at auction alongside four silver editions of the same weight.
