The iconic British band, The Who has become the latest to join The Royal Mint’s ‘Music Legends’ series with the launch of a new range of collectable coins, joining an esteemed list that features Queen, Elton John, and David Bowie.
The mark the launch, co-founding member and lead singer of The Who, Roger Daltrey visited The Royal Mint to strike on of the very first coins, giving the band’s seal of approval on the new coin and its design.
The coin’s dynamic design includes some of the most iconic symbols from the band’s live and loud performances, including a union flag, Mod logo and speaker-smashing Rickenbacker guitar. Together, the symbols on the coin form a pinball table, a nod to the single Pinball Wizard and album Tommy, one of the band’s most famous creations.
With the latest colour printing technology, elements of the coin have been digitally printed to showcase the vibrant red, white and blue of the band’s emblem. Meanwhile, using the latest innovative technology and manufacturing techniques, a number of coins will feature a special ‘shockwave’ effect, radiating from the speaker – elevating the detail of the coin.
Designers and craftspeople at the Mint have developed this effect in honour of The Who’s record-breaking loud concert – a record that was held for a decade.
Clare Maclennan, divisional director of Commemorative Coin at The Royal Mint, said: “The Who are an iconic British band with an incredible musical legacy, so it felt right to honour them with an official UK coin. The Who coin is the latest in our show stopping Music Legends series, which celebrates legendary British artists through original new designs.
“It was a privilege to have Roger Daltrey visit the Mint to strike one of the first coins and meet the team of makers that have created this wonderful design. Our Music Legends series is engaging new generations of coin collectors, and we hope this design will become a cherished part of fan’s memorabilia.”
Daltrey said: “It’s an honour to have a coin produced to celebrate The Who’s musical legacy. The coin’s design captures the true essence of the band and what we represent. It was a fantastic moment being able to strike one of the very first pieces in the collection and see the range of technologies and processes involved in the making of the coin.”
Pete Townshend, lead guitarist of The Who, added: “I am delighted that the band’s work is being recognised by this fantastic range of coins from The Royal Mint.”
The Who began with three schoolboys who all shared a love of music, from jazz and skiffle, to rock and rhythm & blues. The band was initially made up of John Entwistle, Pete Townshend, Roger Daltrey and later joined by Keith Moon. With a musical legacy spanning more than 50 years, the band boasts an impressive record of a 100 million albums sold worldwide, and over a billion global streams, while it’s also a member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the UK Music Hall of Fame.
Brought together by The Royal Mint and Bravado, Universal Music Group’s leading merchandise and brand management company, The Who coin is available as limited-edition precious metal proof editions as well as a Brilliant Uncirculated edition.
