Two Queens. One Royal. One Rock.

Queen emerged as a rock band in the 1970’s, transforming the music scene with hits like “Bohemian Rhapsody”, “We are the Champions” and “We will rock you”. Their fame escalated when global admiration for the band reached new levels. Queen transformed the rock world with their innovative stage and recording techniques, and their dramatised persona.

This iconic rock band is estimated to have sold around 300 million records, securing them a spot as one of the best-selling artists of all time. Queen were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001. This is a rock band that defined decades of music, fashion and trends worldwide. Their music is still widely circulated globally and enjoyed by thousands. Many songs have been used in feature films such as Wayne’s World, Shaun of the Dead, Ella Enchanted and Blades of Glory, where the instantly recognisable melodies play out and unite the audience in a particular feeling.

Queen has been recognised and celebrated as the first iconic band for the launch of the Music Legends coin collection minted and released by The Royal Mint in January 2020. This iconic release is sure to excite the modern numismatic audience. The Queen 2020 UK 1/4oz Gold Proof Coin is a tribute coin that encapsulates Queen’s legacy, allowing collectors to own a piece of this iconic rock history in their coin collection. The Queen guitarist, Brian May, has said that “to have our band recognized and our music celebrated in this way is very touching, a real honour”.

The design of the coin showcases Two Queens. One Rock. One Roll. The coin boasts Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on one side, designed by English engraver Jody Clark. While the reverse design showcases the instruments played by each founding member of Queen, designed by Product Manager at the Royal Mint, Chris Facey as his debut coin design. He drew his coin inspiration from the music his parents used to play, explaining that he “love[s] the band’s creative fearlessness and hope I’ve been able to capture some sense of it in my design.”

The instruments featured on the coin are Brian May’s Red Special guitar, John Deacon’s Fender Precision bass, Roger Taylor’s Ludwig bass drum, and Freddie Mercury’s Bechstein grand piano with the opening notes of “Bohemian Rhapsody” pressed down.

The coin features Freddie Mercury’s Bechstein grand piano with the opening notes of “Bohemian Rhapsody” pressed down.

“To have our band recognized and our music celebrated in this way is very touching, a real honour.”

- Brian May, Queen guitarist

Renowned international artist and English engraver, Jody Clark, put his expertise to use designing Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for this commemorative coin. Clark combines digital and traditional drawing skills to create design concepts for his artwork development. Recently Clark has designed the almost recent portrait of Queen Elizabeth II which features on all pound sterling coins across the United Kingdom.