The Royal Mint has unveiled a new commemorative coin celebrating John Lennon, coinciding with what would have been the legendary artist's 85th birthday. Available from March 17, 2025, the coin not only honors Lennon’s significant contributions to music but also embraces his enduring legacy as one of the greatest singers and songwriters of all time.
The coin’s design is particularly poignant, featuring a portrait of Lennon based on an iconic photograph taken by the renowned music photographer Bob Gruen. Gruen captured this image on the roof of Lennon’s penthouse apartment in New York City, offering fans a glimpse of the artist’s vibrant personality and creative spirit. According to Rebecca Morgan, director of commemorative coin at The Royal Mint, the portrait is captured with remarkable detail, and she remarked, “Arguably one of the greatest singers and songwriters of all time, Lennon’s achievements as an artist, activist and advocate for peace continue to live on and will now be forever remembered on a coin.”
The coin features not only Lennon’s image but also the word ‘Imagine’ prominently displayed, which pays homage to his celebrated single and the message of peace it embodies. Such design choices highlight Lennon’s dual legacy: his artistic genius and his commitment to social activism.
Comprised within the Royal Mint’s Music Legends series, the John Lennon coin follows other musical icons such as Queen, David Bowie, and fellow Beatle Paul McCartney. This series aims to honor and immortalize the significant contributions of these esteemed musicians to British cultural history.
The collectibles were made available for purchase from the Royal Mint’s website at competitive prices starting from £18.50 for the £5 brilliant uncirculated coin. Various options are offered, including limited editions and precious metal coins. For example, the 1oz gold proof coin, which is particularly exclusive with only 400 minted, retails at £3,265, whereas the 1kg silver proof coin is priced at £2,850 and limited to just 64 coins. The diversity of prices reflects the different weights and metal compositions available, appealing to both casual collectors and serious investors.
This marks not just the first time the Royal Mint has honored Lennon; they previously released a coin in 2010 to commemorate the 30th anniversary of his death. The continuing focus on his legacy indicates the lasting impact Lennon has had on the music industry and popular culture. Morgan expressed hope, stating, “Still admired by millions of people and generations worldwide, we hope this coin and its design will be treasured for many years to come.”
The release has clearly generated excitement among fans and collectors alike. Purchasable on the Royal Mint's website, the coins became available at 9 AM on March 17, 2025. The anticipation surrounding this launch reflects Lennon’s far-reaching influence and the fondness with which he is regarded by the public decades after his passing.
With this coin, The Royal Mint not only sanctifies Lennon’s contributions but also contributes to the celebration of musical heritage. The legacy of Lennon, encapsulated within this coin, reminds us of the power of music to inspire change and promote peace across generations. Collectors now have the chance to secure their piece of history, and as has been observed with previous releases from the Music Legends series, demand is high.
Fans of both John Lennon and commemorative coin collecting have been quick to react. Given the high quality and limited quantities of previous coins celebrating artists, there are predictions about the potential future value of these new coins. Experts advocate for coins like the gold version as solid investments, citing The Royal Mint’s longstanding reputation for quality and reliability. Dan Hatfield, resident coin valuator, explained, “The Royal Mint are synonymous with quality, and I believe the products they produce represent quality and...even if paying a premium, the designs and craftsmanship make them highly sought after.”
Through this commemorative release, The Royal Mint continues its tradition of celebrating musical legends, ensuring the remarkable achievements and lasting legacy of John Lennon remain relevant and admired for generations to come.
