The Royal Mint release new George Michael collectable coin

It pays tribute to the singer and his hit single 'Faith'

George Michael coin

Author: Anna Sky MagliolaPublished 26th Feb 2024
Last updated 26th Feb 2024

It's now possible to buy a George Michael coin, created as a tribute to the late singer and his second solo single 'Faith'. The coin, which has been approved by the late singer's estate, features Michael's signature look, music from his debut solo album, and his single 'Faith'.

This new coin follows on from the celebration of Wham!'s 'Last Christmas' becoming the Christmas Number 1, 39 years after its initial release, and is the latest in The Royal Mint's Music Legends series, which has previously featured, David Bowie, Elton John and Queen.

Speaking about the new coin, Sandra Deiana, designer of the coin, said: "From the beginning of the project, I was clear about certain elements that I wanted to incorporate into the design.

"I wanted a detailed portrait that captured his charismatic expression – I was particularly thinking of his iconic sunglasses. It’s amazing to be able to pay tribute to his music and what you see in the design is truly a piece of George Michael's song."

Rebecca Morgan, Director of Collector Services at The Royal Mint added: "From his debut with Wham! to becoming one of the bestselling solo musicians of all time, George Michael is a global superstar whose work has inspired and influenced generations with his music and his unique style. Loved by millions of fans worldwide, we are delighted to be introducing an official UK coin celebrating his life and legacy."

George Michael Entertainment also added: "On behalf of George Michael, we are deeply honoured that the Royal Mint is paying tribute to him by creating a series of beautifully crafted coins. He would have been enormously proud and genuinely touched that a national institution should have decided to pay tribute to his memory in this way."

As fans will know, George Michael was a hugely successful singer as part of Wham!, and later as a solo artist, having success with songs such as 'Careless Whisper', 'Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me' with Elton John and 'Outside'.

The singer sadly passed away on Christmas Day 2016, aged just 53.

How to buy the new George Michael coin

You can buy the coin from The Royal Mint website.

How much do the new coins cost?

Prices range from £24.50 up to £2,770.00

Take a look through special coins and notes:

UK Crowned Shield £1 coin

Although they are fairly common, they can currently fetch around £3 - £5.50. They are one of the oldest £1 coins around having been minted in 1988, just five years after the £1 coin was introduced.

Edinburgh City £1 coin

This was released in 2011 and is thought to be worth £12 - £16.

Scotland's Thistle and Bluebell £1 coin

Even with a mintage of 5.1 million it is worth £3 - £5 to collectors.

Cardiff City £1 coin

This coin features the Coat of Arms of Cardiff as the principal focus to represent Wales. It is thought to be worth £11 - £15.

London City £1 coin

Although more common than the Scottish and Welsh versions it is still worth £5 - £8.

EC and Kew Gardens

Dating back to 1992/3 this larger 50p coin (left) was issued to celebrate the British presidency of the council of Europe. No longer in circulation could be worth around £40.
The Kew Gardens design was minted to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the foundation of the Royal Botanic Gardens. Only 210,000 coins were made and is now expected to sell on eBay for £70 - £100.

2011 WWF and 2012 The Offside Explained

2011 WWF design of the 50p (left) can often sell for around £200 to collectors.
The Offside Explained 50p apparently regularly changes hands for around £10.

2012 Olympics - Swimmer

Early versions of the coin show the swimmer with the water covering their head, however later versions have the lines of water removed.
According to eBay only 600 of the early version are in circulation, fetching up to £3000 when they were first placed on eBay.

New fiver (£5)

The new £5 note was released into circulation on the 13th September 2016. Notes with serial numbers starting with AA or AK 47 sold for much more than than their face value.

New tenner (£10)

The new £10 note, featuring Jane Austen was released on 14th September 2017.
As before many with the serial number AA or AK 47 were highly sought after as well as those with serial numbers relating to Jane Austen's birthday, date of death, or date the Pride and Prejudice was first published.