Iron Maiden's 50th anniversary celebrated with Royal Mint coin

The Royal Mint is celebrating the 50th anniversary of heavy metal legends Iron Maiden with the band's first-ever coin.

Part of the Royal Mint’s Music Legends series, Iron Maiden now rub shoulders with fellow British music icons Queen, Elton John, and David Bowie, who have all previously been honoured with a coin.

Iron Maiden’s coin has been designed by Spanish artist Albert 'Akirant' Quirantes, who has been working with Maiden for a number of years, creating the iconic artwork for their Run for Your Lives World Tour, The Future Past Tour, and The Legacy of the Beast Tour, amongst others.

Akirant’s design on the coin features an early 80s incarnation of Iron Maiden’s beloved mascot Eddie looming ominously in a graveyard, and there are numerous references to Iron Maiden’s past and present within it.

These include pyramids from the ‘Powerslave’ album cover, the now-destroyed block of flats from the infamous ‘Killers’ sleeve, a Japanese castle in reference to ‘Senjutsu’, and Iron Maiden’s 50th anniversary tour poster.

Iron Maiden’s manager Rod Smallwood comments: “Having Eddie on an official UK coin is a continuation of his incredible odyssey since we unearthed him back in 1980.

“We've been on stamps, beer bottles, plane tails and now legal tender! The detail Akirant has managed to pack into the design is superb - there are little nods to virtually every chapter of our journey as a band.

“We're truly honoured that The Royal Mint has chosen to commemorate 50 years of Iron Maiden in such a unique way."

The Iron Maiden coin is available to purchase from the Royal Mint’s website in several editions, from standard brilliant uncirculated to limited edition precious metal proof versions.

Prices start at £18.50 right up to a massive £7,520 for the Iron Maiden 2025 UK 2oz Gold Proof Coin.

Albert ‘Akirant’ Quirantes, designer of the Iron Maiden coin, says: "Designing the Iron Maiden coin has been one of the most thrilling projects of my career.

“As a lifelong fan of the band, and Derek Riggs’ original creations in the ‘80s, I wanted to capture not just their iconic imagery, but also the rebellious spirit that has defined their music for decades. I've hidden several references within the design that true fans will enjoy discovering, including subtle nods to classic album artwork and their most beloved songs.

“It's my tribute to a band that has influenced generations of music lovers all over the world, and I hope fans will spend time exploring every detail just as passionately as they've analysed the band's lyrics over the years."

Rebecca Morgan, Director of Commemorative Coin at The Royal Mint, adds: "Iron Maiden have been fearless pioneers in music, flying the flag for Britain around the globe for half a century. Their creative vision, powerful performances and dedicated following have earned them a place as one of Britain's most influential bands.

“This coin is the perfect fusion of metal on metal and we expect it will prove to be a collector's piece that's highly sought after by both numismatists and passionate rock fans alike."

You can purchase the Iron Maiden coin RIGHT HERE.

Back in 2023, Iron Maiden were celebrated by Royal Mail with a set of 12 limited-edition stamps.

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