Royal Mint releases a new coin to celebrate the life and career of John Lennon.

The new coin comes out in the year in which the Beatles icon would have celebrated his 85th birthday.

Royal Mint is releasing a coin to celebrate the life and career of John Lennon.

The design of the new coin features a portrait of the singer, based on an image taken by music industry photographer Bob Gruen.

It depicts a side profile of Lennon, taken on the roof of his penthouse in New York.

Lennon’s name appears to the left of the portrait while the word “Imagine” features on the right side of the design in a reference to his single and album.

The coin is being released by the Royal Mint in the year in which Lennon would have celebrated his 85th birthday.

Lennon is not the first to be honoured on a Royal Mint coin, with fellow Beatle Sir Paul McCartney, Queen, David Bowie and Dame Shirley Bassey having one.

The Royal Mint has an ongoing “music legends” coin series, celebrating singers and songwriters.

Coin designer Henry Gray incorporated the portrait of Lennon to feature at the centre of the design.

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

“Lennon’s portrait has been captured in meticulous detail and in a fitting tribute will be released in the year in 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.”

Lennon fans and coin collectors will be able to buy the coins from the Royal Mint’s website from 9am on Monday, March 17.

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