Like many other mints, the Royal Mint issues bullion coins in precious metals, having much higher intrinsic value than their face value. The two ounce (2 oz) silver coins are denominated as Five Pounds (£5).
The coins are legal tender but are not intended for circulation. They are targeted at bullion investors or collectors who appreciate the special editions as pieces of art. The coins are typically "one-year" types usually issued in parallel with smaller denominations with the same reverse designs.
This commemorative silver two-ounce coin is the first in the "Music Legends" series of coins and celebrates the famous rock band Queen.
The "Music Legends" collection from The Royal Mint pays tribute to the bands and artists whose attitude, sound and look came to define each passing decade - a legacy perfectly encapsulated in each coin design.
This first coin in the series features one of the most iconic rock bands of all time. Formed in London in the early 1970s, Queen augmented their hard rock sound with pop sensibilities, redefining the genre and elevating it to another level. Recording a string of smash hits, fans flocked to see them live, their foot-stomping anthems and epic ballads delivered with panache by their flamboyant frontman, tragically gone too soon.
Hugely anticipated by coin collectors and music fans alike, Queen are celebrated with a design that features the iconic instruments played by each founding member: 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 design has been officially approved by Roger Taylor and Brian May.
The two-ounce coin is the only one in the Queen range to have accents (what the Royal Mint calls "surface animation") on the piano keys on the reverse. |