Description

George Michael's collectable coin is the eighth in The Royal Mint's "Music Legends" series, which celebrates legendary British artists through original new designs. This latest coin follows designs in honor of music icons Queen, Elton John, David Bowie, The Who, The Rolling Stones, Shirley Bassey and The Police.

George Michael (born Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou; 1963–2016), the iconic English singer, one of the best-selling musicians of all time, left an indelible mark on the music industry with his unparalleled talent and remarkable achievements. With sales estimated between 100 million to 125 million records worldwide, Michael's impact is undeniable. His chart-topping success included an impressive 10 number-one songs on the US Billboard Hot 100 and 13 number-one songs on the UK Singles Chart. His stellar career garnered him a plethora of accolades, including two Grammy Awards, three Brit Awards, twelve Billboard Music Awards, and four MTV Video Music Awards. Renowned for his soulful voice and captivating performances, Michael's legacy was further solidified by Billboard's recognition as one of the "Greatest Hot 100 Artists of All Time" and Rolling Stone's inclusion in the "200 Greatest Singers of All Time."

George Michael soared to fame as one half of the pop sensation Wham! alongside Andrew Ridgeley. Their infectious hits like "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go" and "Last Christmas" catapulted them to global stardom, with Wham! becoming the first Western pop act to tour China in 1985. Michael's solo career was equally dazzling, with chart-toppers like "Careless Whisper" and "Faith" solidifying his status as a musical legend. Beyond his unparalleled success, Michael's advocacy for LGBT rights and HIV/AIDS awareness left an indelible mark. Despite personal struggles and health setbacks, his unparalleled talent and unwavering spirit continue to resonate, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest artists of all time.