A commemorative coin celebrating the life and profession of John Lennon has been launched by the Royal Mint, marking what would have been the musician’s eighty fifth birthday.
The coin encompasses a portrait of Lennon, primarily based on {a photograph} by Bob Gruen which was taken on the roof of the singer’s New York penthouse.
It was designed by Henry Grey, who positioned the portrait on the centre.
The design additionally options Lennon’s title to the left and the phrase “Think about” – a nod to his iconic single and album – to the fitting.
Lennon joins a prestigious group of music icons honored by the Royal Mint, together with fellow Beatle Sir Paul McCartney, Queen, David Bowie, and Dame Shirley Bassey.
The coin is a part of the Royal Mint’s ongoing “music legends” sequence, which celebrates influential singers and songwriters.
Rebecca Morgan, director of commemorative coin on the Royal Mint, mentioned: “Arguably one of many best singers and songwriters of all time, Lennon’s achievements as an artist, activist and advocate for peace proceed to reside on and can now be ceaselessly remembered on a coin.
“Lennon’s portrait has been captured in meticulous element and in a becoming tribute will likely be launched within the yr which the artist would have celebrated his eighty fifth birthday.
“Nonetheless admired by tens of millions of individuals and generations worldwide, we hope this coin and its design will likely be treasured for a few years to come back.”
Lennon followers and coin collectors will be capable to purchase the cash from the Royal Mint’s web site from 9am on March 17.
Costs will begin at £18.50 and the cash will likely be accessible in a spread of treasured metals, together with color editions, the Mint mentioned.
Lennon was killed in 1980, aged 40.
The Beatles just lately received a Grammy for greatest rock efficiency for the tune ‘Now And Then’, which was completed many years after it was recorded.
The remastered observe was sourced from a Lennon demo recorded within the Seventies.
Lennon’s son Sean, selecting up the gong on behalf of the group, mentioned: “The world can’t afford to neglect about individuals like The Beatles, we’d like this music on the planet, we’d like peace and love and we’d like the magic of the 60s to remain alive.”
