Obverse. Photo © Royal Mint
  • 100 Pounds 2024, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Charles III, Music Legends, Paul McCartney
  • 100 Pounds 2024, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Charles III, Music Legends, Paul McCartney
  • 100 Pounds 2024, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Charles III, Music Legends, Paul McCartney, Box with a certificate of authenticity
Description

Paul McCartney's collectable coin is the ninth 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, The Police and George Michael.

Paul McCartney (born June 18, 1942) is an English singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist who gained worldwide fame as a member of The Beatles, the most successful and influential band in history. Alongside John Lennon, McCartney formed one of the greatest songwriting duos, penning timeless classics like "Yesterday," "Hey Jude," and "Let It Be." His melodic bass playing, vocal range, and ability to experiment with diverse musical styles set him apart as a groundbreaking artist. After The Beatles' breakup in 1970, McCartney launched a successful solo career and formed the band Wings, achieving hits like "Band on the Run" and "Live and Let Die."

Beyond his music, McCartney is known for his activism, particularly in animal rights and environmental causes, and his commitment to vegetarianism. He has received countless accolades, including 18 Grammy Awards and a knighthood in 1997 for his contributions to music. Even in his eighties, McCartney continues to perform and release new music, remaining a vital figure in the global music scene and inspiring generations of artists with his creativity and enduring legacy.

Obverse

Depicts King Charles III’s effigy, surrounded by the Latin inscription. Engraver's initials on the neck.

CHARLES III DEI GRATIA REX FIDEI DEFENSOR means King Charles III, by the Grace of God King, Defender of the Faith.

Engraver: Martin Jennings (MJ)

•CHARLES III•D•G•REX•F•D•100 POUNDS•2024
MJ

Reverse

Depicts Paul McCartney's signature, with "Paul" appearing in his handwriting style and "McCartney" written in bold block letters below. Above the signature is McCartney's iconic left-handed Höfner bass guitar, complete with the Wings logo on the headstock. At the bottom, the design is completed with the keyboard from his legendary Magic Piano, a nod to his musical legacy and creative artistry.

Paul McCartney's Höfner bass is one of the most iconic instruments in rock history. Known as the Höfner 500/1 Violin Bass, it is recognizable for its violin-shaped design and warm, melodic tone. McCartney acquired his first Höfner bass in 1961 while in Hamburg, Germany, with The Beatles. At the time, as a left-handed musician, he found the Höfner ideal due to its symmetrical body and affordability.

Paul McCartney’s “Magic Piano” is a unique instrument featuring a psychedelic design painted by Dudley Edwards of the BEV Collective (Binder, Edwards, Vaughan). The artwork was commissioned in the late 1960s during the Swinging Sixties and was prominently associated with McCartney's creative period around the Magical Mystery Tour. The vibrant and intricate design added a sense of whimsy and creativity to the instrument, which McCartney reportedly enjoyed both visually and acoustically, calling it "magic" because of the imaginative touch it brought to his music-making.

Engravers: Deborah Osborne and Andrew Ross

Paul
McCARTNEY
AR DO •

Edge

100 Pounds

One Ounce Gold Proof Coin
KM#
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Gold
Fineness 0.9999
Weight 31.21 g
Diameter 32.69 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Royal Mint

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