“A coin for a British music legend that is quite out of this world.”
The Royal Mint has released a series of David Bowie coins as part of its ‘music legends’ collection. As part of the collection launch, the company sent one into space where it reached 35,656m and orbited the Earth’s atmosphere for 45 minutes before descending back to Britain.
The David Bowie coin is the third in the music legends collection. It follows Queen and Elton John commemorative coins released in January and July, respectively.
The design is inspired by an image taken during the time he spent living and recording in Berlin. It also features the lightning bolt motif lifted from Bowie’s Aladdin Sane era. A number of the limited edition coins utilised specialist technology and techniques in order to give the lightning bolt a glitter effect.
Clare Maclennan, Divisional Director of Commemorative Coin at The Royal Mint, said, “In recognition of Bowie’s first hit single Space Oddity, we felt it was fitting to send his coin into space and celebrate the Starman in his own pioneering fashion.”
“David Bowie’s music has inspired and influenced generations of musicians and we hope this commemorative coin will be cherished by fans around the world.”
You can purchase the coins from the Royal Mint’s website. Keep an eye on its Facebook page for a chance to win the space-travelled coin.
Last week, BFI announced a David Bowie season for January 2021. Find out more here.
