Elton John will receive a special commemorative coin in Great Britain in honor of his oeuvre, The Royal Mint announced on Monday. Only the band Queen got their own currency in the kingdom earlier than the 73-year-old singer.
The coin, which will be released in different editions from Monday, features John with his characteristic glasses, a hat and a bow tie. The flag of Great Britain is visible in the background. John himself gave permission for the design.
“It is a fantastic honor to be distinguished in this way,” John said in a comment. “In recent years I have experienced the most memorable moments of my career and this commemorative coin is another milestone during my journey.”
A total of 7,500 copies of the John coin are released. The cheapest variant costs 13 pounds (over 14 euros), while the gold coin is offered for the highest price: 1,000 pounds, about 1,100 euros.
The first copies of the Elton John commemorative coin were already issued on Monday. (Photo: Reuters)
John one of the most popular artists ever
John is one of the most popular artists of all time with over 300 million copies sold. His version of the song Candle in the Wind , which he sang at Princess Diana’s funeral in 1997, is the best-selling studio single of all time with 33 million records sold.
The coin is not John’s first award. He has previously won two Oscars and five Grammys. He is also included in the prestigious American Rock and Roll Hall of Fame museum. In 1998 he was knighted by the British Queen Elizabeth because of his charity work. Since then he has gone through life as a sir.