John Lennon Commemorative Coin Launched by the Royal Mint

A commemorative coin celebrating the life and career of John Lennon has been launched by the Royal Mint, marking what would have been the musician's 85th birthday.

The Royal Mint has launched a commemorative coin celebrating the life and career of John Lennon, to mark what would have been the musician’s 85th birthday.

The coin features a portrait of Lennon, which is based on a photograph by Bob Gruen and was designed by Henry Gray. It also includes Lennon’s name to the left and the word “Imagine” – a tribute to his iconic single and album – to the right.

Lennon joins a prestigious group of music icons who have been honored by the Royal Mint, including fellow Beatle Sir Paul McCartney, Queen, David Bowie, and Dame Shirley Bassey.

The coin is part of the Royal Mint’s ongoing “music legends” series, which highlights influential singers and songwriters.

"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," said Rebecca Morgan, director of commemorative coin at the Royal Mint.

"Lennon’s portrait has been captured in meticulous detail and in a fitting tribute will be released in the year which the artist would have celebrated his 85th birthday.

"Still admired by millions of people and generations worldwide, we hope this coin and its design will be treasured for many years to come."

Commenorative coins celebrating the music legend will be available to buy from the Royal Mint’s website from 9am on Friday 17 March.

Prices will start at £18.50 and the coins will be available in a range of precious metals, including colour editions, the Mint said.

Lennon was shot dead in 1980, at the age of 40.

The Beatles recently won a Grammy for best rock performance for the song ‘Now And Then’, which was finished decades after it was recorded.

The remastered track was sourced from a Lennon demo recorded in the 1970s.

Lennon’s son Sean, collecting the gong on behalf of the group, said: "The world can’t afford to forget about people like The Beatles, we need this music in the world, we need peace and love and we need the magic of the 60s to stay alive."