On Monday (2.26,) the British Royal Mint unveiled a new collectible coin honoring pop icon George Michael.
The UK tribute reflects Michael’s headshot associated with his 1987 debut solo album, Faith, complete with signature aviator shades, crucifix pendant earring and perfect five o’clock shadow.
Born Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou, the legendary musician’s coin is the latest in the Mint’s Music Legends series that has previously paid homage to such British superstar musicians as David Bowie, the Rolling Stones, Dame Shirley Bassey, Queen and Elton John. Artist/sculptor
In honor of the former WHAM! member and solo star, the circular keepsake was the designed by Sandra Deiana, and it includes an engraving of the lyrical hook from Michael’s “Faith” single.
In a statement from the artist’s estate, George Michael Entertainment wrote “On behalf of George Michael, we are deeply honored that the Royal Mint is paying tribute to him by creating a series of beautifully crafted coins. He would have been enormously proud and genuinely touched that a national institution should have decided to pay tribute to his memory in this way.”
“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,” added artist Deiana.
The collectible coin follows WHAM!’s “Last Christmas” finally reaching No. 1 on the British charts in December of 2023, some 39 years after its initial release.
The George Michael memento is available as limited-edition precious metal poofs, including a brilliant uncirculated coin as well as silver and cold proof versions; click here for more information on the coins.
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Author: Saul Goode
Photo: Mandy C.