The Royal Mint, the original maker of UK coins, has Monday launched a new range of collectable coins celebrating the iconic British band — The Who. To celebrate the launch of the coin, co-founder and lead singer of The Who, Roger Daltrey, visited The Royal Mint to strike one of the very first coins, giving the band's seal of approval on the new coin and its design. The Who collectable coin is the fourth in The Royal Mint's 'Music Legends' series, and follows coins in honor of Queen, Elton John and David Bowie. The coin's dynamic design includes some of the most iconic symbols from the band's live and loud performances — including a union flag, Mod logo and speaker-smashing Rickenbacker guitar. Together, the symbols on the coin form a pinball table, a nod to the single Pinball Wizard and album Tommy, one of the band's most famous creations. With the latest color printing technology, elements of the coin have been digitally printed to showcase the vibrant red, white and blue of the band's emblem. Using the latest innovative technology and manufacturing techniques, a number of coins will feature a special 'shockwave' effect, radiating from the speaker — elevating the detail of the coin. Designers and craftspeople at the Mint have developed this effect in honor of The Who's record-breaking loud concert — a record that was held for a decade. Clare Maclennan, divisional director of Commemorative Coin at The Royal Mint said, "The Who are an iconic British band with an incredible musical legacy, so it felt right to honor them with an official UK coin. "The Who coin is the latest in our show stopping Music Legends series, which celebrates legendary British artists through original new designs. "It was a privilege to have Roger Daltrey visit the Mint to strike one of the first coins and meet the team of makers that have created this wonderful design. "Our Music Legends series is engaging new generations of coin collectors, and we hope this design will become a cherished part of fans' memorabilia." Daltrey, co-founder and lead singer of The Who, said, "It's an honor to have a coin produced to celebrate The Who's musical legacy. The coin's design captures the true essence of the band and what we represent. "It was a fantastic moment being able to strike one of the very first pieces in the collection and see the range of technologies and processes involved in the making of the coin." Pete Townshend, lead guitarist of The Who said, "I am delighted that the band's work is being recognized by this fantastic range of coins from The Royal Mint." The Who began with three schoolboys who all shared a love of music, from jazz and skiffle, to rock and rhythm & blues. The band was initially made up of John Entwistle, Pete Townshend, Roger Daltrey and later joined by Keith Moon. The Who, are considered by many today as 'The Greatest Rock and Roll Band in the World.' They have a musical legacy spanning more than 50 years, and an impressive record of a 100 million albums sold worldwide, over a billion global streams, and are members of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the UK Music Hall of Fame, the BRIT and GRAMMY Award winning club. Brought together by The Royal Mint and Bravado, Universal Music Group's leading merchandise and brand management company, The Who coin is available as limited-edition precious metal proof editions as well as a Brilliant Uncirculated edition. The Brilliant Uncirculated coin is also available in color exclusive to The Royal Mint. — PRNewswire
