Legendary Beatles icon Paul McCartney is set to be commemorated in a unique British coin collection by The Royal Mint. The collection, unveiled on Friday, will showcase McCartney's illustrious career post the Beatles split in 1970.
The coins will feature the customary depiction of the king on one side, while the other side will pay tribute to McCartney's musical journey. The range will include various finishes and colored editions, with the most valuable being the 2-ounce gold proof coin valued at 200 pounds ($255) but priced at 5,890 pounds ($7,510).
Not intended for everyday transactions due to the significant price difference, the coins boast intricate details such as McCartney's Magic Piano, a replica of his iconic Höfner Violin Bass guitar, and the Wings band logo. Additionally, the coins incorporate piano notes selected by McCartney and his signature.
Expressing his gratitude, McCartney remarked, 'This feels like a huge honor. It’s not anything I would have ever expected to happen when I was a kid.'
The Royal Mint also crafted a special plectrum-shaped coin as a gift for McCartney, paying homage to his early days of using pennies as guitar picks. The coins are part of The Royal Mint’s Music Legends collection, which features other music icons like David Bowie, George Michael, and the Rolling Stones.
Rebecca Morgan, Director of Commemorative Coin at The Royal Mint, highlighted the significance of McCartney's inclusion, 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.'
The Royal Mint revealed that a signed, five-kilogram gold edition of McCartney’s coin, autographed during his 2024 “Got Back” tour in Paris, will be auctioned alongside four silver five-kilogram editions. The bespoke gold coin, meticulously crafted over 250 hours, including three days of hand polishing, is a testament to McCartney's enduring legacy in the music industry.
