Obverse. Photo © Royal Mint
  • 25 Pounds 2020, Sp# EJ6, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, Music Legends, Elton John
  • 25 Pounds 2020, Sp# EJ6, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, Music Legends, Elton John
  • 25 Pounds 2020, Sp# EJ6, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, Music Legends, Elton John, Box with a certificate of authenticity
Description

Sir Elton Hercules John (born Reginald Kenneth Dwight; 1947) is an English singer, songwriter, pianist, and composer. Collaborating with lyricist Bernie Taupin since 1967 on more than 30 albums, John has sold more than 300 million records, making him one of the best-selling music artists. He has more than fifty Top 40 hits in the UK Singles Chart and US Billboard Hot 100, including seven number ones in the UK and nine in the US, as well as seven consecutive number-one albums in the US. His tribute single "Candle in the Wind 1997", rewritten in dedication to Diana, Princess of Wales, sold over 33 million copies worldwide and is the best-selling single in the history of the UK and US singles charts.

John has received five Grammy Awards, five Brit Awards, two Academy Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, a Tony Award, a Disney Legends award, and the Kennedy Center Honor. In 2013, Billboard ranked him the most successful male solo artist on the Billboard Hot 100 Top All-Time Artists, and third overall, behind the Beatles and Madonna. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994 and the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1992, and is a fellow of the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors. He was knighted by Elizabeth II for "services to music and charitable services" in 1998.

Obverse

The fifth crowned portrait of HM Queen Elizabeth II facing right, wearing the George IV State Diadem and drop earrings.

The George IV State Diadem, officially the Diamond Diadem, is a type of crown that was made in 1820 for King George IV. The diadem is worn by queens and queens consort in procession to coronations and State Openings of Parliament. The piece of jewelry has been featured in paintings and on stamps and currency. It can be seen in the Queen's Gallery at Buckingham Palace.

ELIZABETH II DEI GRATIA REGINA FIDEI DEFENSATRIX means Elizabeth II, by the grace of God, Queen and Defender of the Faith.

Engraver: Jody Clark

ELIZABETH II·D·G·REG·F·D·25 POUNDS·2020·
J.C

Reverse

The engraver had to come up with a way to represent Elton John without actually showing him, as tradition dictates that the portrait of a living person – apart from the reigning monarch and members of the Royal Family – should not appear on a coin. He used musical notes to create an image of music-note glasses and a straw boater's hat, inspired by one of Elton John’s most iconic looks, and a Union flag background punctuates the design; it is unmistakably Elton John.

Engraver: Bradley Morgan Johnson

ELTON JOHN
BMJ

Edge

25 Pounds

5th portrait, Quarter-Ounce Gold Proof Coin
Sp# EJ6
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Gold
Fineness 0.9999
Weight 7.8 g
Diameter 22 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Royal Mint

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