Five Pounds 2020 Music Legends - Elton John, Coin from United Kingdom - detailed information

At the time of decimalisation in 1971, the United Kingdom Crown coin (equal to 5 shillings) was redenominated as a 25p coin and pieces struck prior to 1990 - all the way back to 1818 - continue to be legal tender for that amount. The old denomination had been a regular circulating coin in the 19th century, but in the 20th century it became more of a commemorative denomination.

The Royal Mint continued issuing commemorative coins in the same format - using the traditional coin dimensions, but in copper-nickel. These were initially also denominated as 25 pence but the "Crown" was changed in 1990 to a commemorative £5 (five pound) coin, having the same dimensions and weight but with a face value twenty times as great.

The denomination is used to mark special occasions, usually royal in theme, rather than for use in general circulation. Although not circulating, these coins are legal tender.

This commemorative £5 Crown-sized coin celebrating Sir Elton John is the second in the Music Legends coin series by the Royal Mint (after the one dedicated to Queen).

The Royal Mint says:
"Sir Elton Hercules John is the second best-selling British musical act of all time, behind The Beatles, and in the United States of America he is the most successful solo male artist in their chart history. He has sold more than 300 million records worldwide, given more than 4,000 performances (and counting). He has helped break down barriers, challenging and helping change perceptions about sexuality, and has spent decades championing good causes - most notably the fight against AIDS. An undisputed music legend, Elton John is one of the world’s most influential cultural figures."

Given that the Royal Mint has a convention to only depict living people on coinage if they are part of the Royal Family, Elton John is not actually depicted on the coin; instead, his hat and a pair of sunglasses are arranged so as to create the impression of a face.