Obverse. Photo © Royal Mint
  • 5 Pounds 2020, Sp# QN3, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, Music Legends, Queen
  • 5 Pounds 2020, Sp# QN3, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, Music Legends, Queen
  • 5 Pounds 2020, Sp# QN3, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Elizabeth II, Music Legends, Queen, Box with a certificate of authenticity
Description

Rock band Queen have made history as the first British band to appear alongside Queen Elizabeth II on a commemorative coin. The Royal Mint released a commemorative coin collection to celebrate the band as part of its ongoing “Music Legends” series. The coin is available in a variety of different Gold proof, Silver proof, and Brilliant Uncirculated versions, ranging from a £5 Brilliant uncirculated coin to a One Ounce Gold Proof Coin. Additionally, the Brilliant Uncirculated coin will be available in limited numbers in three exclusive packs which include a poster.

Queen are a British rock band formed in London in 1970. Their classic line-up was Freddie Mercury (lead vocals, piano), Brian May (guitar, vocals), John Deacon (bass guitar), and Roger Taylor (drums, vocals). Their earliest works were influenced by progressive rock, hard rock and heavy metal, but the band gradually ventured into more conventional and radio-friendly works by incorporating further styles, such as arena rock and pop rock.

The band released their eponymous debut album in 1973. Queen first charted in the UK with their second album, Queen II, in 1974. Sheer Heart Attack later that year and A Night at the Opera in 1975 brought them international success. The latter featured "Bohemian Rhapsody", which stayed at number one in the UK for nine weeks.

The band's 1977 album News of the World contained "We Will Rock You" and "We Are the Champions", which have become anthems at sporting events. By the early 1980s, Queen were one of the biggest stadium rock bands in the world. "Another One Bites the Dust" (1980) became their best-selling single, while their 1981 compilation album Greatest Hits is the best-selling album in the UK. In 1991, Mercury died of bronchopneumonia - a complication of AIDS, and Deacon retired in 1997.

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·5 POUNDS·2020·
J.C

Reverse

The coin pays tribute to all four members of Queen and features Freddie Mercury’s microphone and Bechstein grand piano, Brian May’s ‘Red Special’ guitar, Roger Taylor’s Ludwig bass drum and John Deacon’s Fender Precision Bass. The coin is completed by Queen’s iconic logo.

The coin’s designer Chris Facey also paid tribute to “Bohemian Rhapsody”, the band’s most celebrated hit, with the keys of the piano on the coin pressed down for the opening notes of the song.

QUEEN
CF

Edge

5 Pounds (Crown)

5th portrait, Two Ounce Silver Proof Coin
Sp# QN3
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Silver
Fineness 0.999
Weight 62.42 g
Diameter 40 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Royal Mint

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