Silver coin 1 Oz Freddie Mercury 2026 UK proof

Another legend of British music to appear on the silver coins from The Royal Mint's collector series is the unique Freddie Mercury.

"I don't consider music to be work. There's nothing I'd rather do... I like being able to make people happy, in whatever form that takes. Even if it's just an hour of their lives, if I can make them happy, cheer them up or put a smile on their faces, it's worth it to me," said singer and songwriter Freddie Mercury, who made music history and won the hearts of millions of people around the world, primarily as the frontman of the band Queen. The quartet consisting of Freddie Mercury (vocals, piano), Brian May (guitar, vocals), John Deacon (bass guitar, keyboards), and Roger Taylor (drums, vocals) gave us tender ballads and stadium hard rock, rhythmic funk and ethereal gospel, and even operatic madness that seemed to come from another world. Freddie captivated eager audiences with experimental yet catchy songs with many rhythmic twists and turns that were complex and grandiose, melodically and vocally brilliant. His four-octave range made him one of the best singers in history, but his spectacular stage performances also played a major role in his success. A musical rebel, showman, visionary, and pioneer, he left the world prematurely—as a true legend. His music, which gives listeners goosebumps and brings tears to their eyes, is, without exaggeration, immortal.

The reverse side of the coin, designed by artist Henry Gray, depicts Freddie Mercury in the midst of a performance. The geometric shapes around the edge of the reverse are reminiscent of the studs on the bracelet worn by the charismatic showman at the Live Aid concert, and the musical stave represents his four-octave vocal range. The silver relief coloring highlights the iconic yellow jacket worn by the singer during the concert at Wembley Stadium, and his signature completes the composition. The obverse side of the coin features the attributes of the issuer – i.e. the nominal value of 5 POUNDS (GBP), a portrait of King Charles III, the text "CHARLES III D G REX F D" (Charles III, by the grace of God, King, Defender of the Faith) and the year of issue 2025.

This tribute to a musical icon is presented in an elegant case.