In an exciting tribute to the legendary John Lennon, the Royal Mint has announced the launch of a commemorative coin, coinciding with what would have been the iconic musician's 85th birthday. This collectible not only celebrates Lennon’s life and artistry but also cements his legacy as one of the most influential figures in music history.

The coin features a captivating portrait of Lennon, inspired by a famous side profile photograph taken by renowned music industry photographer Bob Gruen. This stunning image captures Lennon on the rooftop of his penthouse in New York, a testament to his vibrant life in the heart of the music scene during the 1970s. Alongside his name on the coin appears the word “Imagine,” a nod to his timeless anthem that continues to inspire peace and hope worldwide.

Lennon joins the ranks of other music legends who have been honored with their own coins by the Royal Mint. Names like Sir Paul McCartney, Queen, David Bowie, and Dame Shirley Bassey have graced these unique collectibles, evidence of the Mint's commitment to celebrating musical heritage. The current coin is part of an ongoing "music legends" series dedicated to recognizing the contributions of notable singers and songwriters.

Henry Gray, the talented designer behind this exquisite piece, has meticulously captured Lennon's likeness, ensuring that this tribute is as heartfelt as it is artistic. Rebecca Morgan, the director of commemorative coin at the Royal Mint, expressed the significance of this release: “Arguably one of the greatest singers and songwriters of all time, Lennon’s achievements as an artist, activist, and advocate for peace continue to live on. This coin will serve as a lasting reminder of his legacy.”

Fans of Lennon and avid coin collectors alike will be excited to know that the coins will be available for purchase on the Royal Mint's website beginning at 9 AM on March 17, with prices starting at an accessible £18.50. The coin will be offered in a variety of precious metals and even in color editions to cater to different tastes.

Notably, Lennon, who tragically passed away in 1980 at the age of 40, remains a cultural icon. This year, The Beatles recently celebrated a Grammy win for Best Rock Performance for their song "Now And Then," a track completed decades after it was initially recorded. Sean Lennon accepted the award on behalf of the band, emphasizing, “The world can’t afford to forget about people like The Beatles; we need this music in the world, we need peace and love, and we need the magic of the 60s to stay alive.”

Get ready to celebrate this music legend and secure your piece of history with the new John Lennon commemorative coin! Don’t miss out on this opportunity to own a collectible that honors the eternal spirit of one of music’s greatest heroes.