The design of the coin, done by artist Henry Gray, is a nod to several images that are associated with The Who and some of their most well-known characteristics. It includes a mod logo, a Rickenbacker guitar with a Union flag design, all in the shape of a pinball machine, which references both their record-breaking loud performances and ‘Pinball Wizard’ from ‘ Tommy,’ the hit rock opera that they are most recognized by. Lead singer Roger Daltrey was at the Royal Mint to give his approval of the design, striking one of the first ones. He shared his thoughts on the new coin while there, saying, “When I first saw this design, I thought, ‘How imaginative!’ I mean, it just summed up in one visual, The Who. Seeing the way they’re coloured and the technique used to do that is incredibly impressive…it actually feels like quite an honour.”

The range became available yesterday morning (24 May) at 9am, and what a range it is. Collectors can spend as little as £13 for a £5 brilliant coin; or if you want to consider something a little more expensive, you can spend up to £2,315 for a one ounce gold proof coin. There are also five more coins that will soon become available and at the top of that list is a gold proof coin that weighs in at one kilo and will be £68,380 according to Louder. There are only 12 available, so the lucky 12 who purchase it can claim bragging rights of being the ultimate The Who fans. The renowned rock band was honoured by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Rolling Stone in their list of 500 Greatest Albums of All Time, and can now add this to their extensive list of achievements.

The coins are on sale from today, June 6, at 9am. They are available in gold, silver and brilliant uncirculated editions. The coin shows Elton John with some of his famous, significant features like the straw boater hat, the Union Jack and a pair of quaver notes. It was designed by Bradley Morgan Johnson, a UK-based artist and digital sculptor.

The singer himself is very excited about the coin. “It really is a fabulous honour to be recognised in this way”, the 73-year-old expressed his gratitude. “The last few years have contained some of the most memorable moments of my career, and this is another truly humbling milestone on my journey.”

It just wouldn't be Elton John without a splash of colour – and let's face it, we could all do with a little brightness right now. Here is a behind the scenes video following the colour printing process! More >> https://t.co/ZzTxL06frk @eltonofficial pic.twitter.com/6JvnAWvMf9

— The Royal Mint (@RoyalMintUK) July 6, 2020

“Elton John is without a doubt a British music legend and is recognised as one of the most successful singer-songwriters of his generation”, Clare Maclennan, Divisional Director of Commemorative Coin and the Royal Mint Experience, declared. “We are delighted to honour Elton’s significant contribution to British music on a UK coin. This is the second coin in the Royal Mint’s new Music Legends series, marking the work of our exceptional British musicians.”

Back in January, Queen were the first act to be minted on the “Music Legends” collection, which made them the first band to ever be honoured on a UK currency. “To have our band recognised and our music celebrated in this way is very touching – a real honour”, guitarist Brian May has said about the coin with the Queen logo on it.

As the “Music Legends” commemorative coins are a new series, we can probably expect some other coins featuring artists in the future.