Sir Elton John Is First Solo Artist to Get His Own Coin

Talk about a bankable name.

Mikelle Street

Mikelle is the former editorial director of digital for PrideMedia, guiding digital editorial and social across Out, The Advocate, Pride.com, Out Traveler, and Plus. After starting as a freelancer for Out in 2013, he joined the staff as Senior Editor working across print and digital in 2018. In early 2021 he became Out's digital director, marking a pivot to content that centered queer and trans stories and figures, exclusively. In September 2021, he was promoted to editorial director of PrideMedia. He has written cover stories on Ricky Martin, Miss Fame, Nyle DiMarco, Jeremy O. Harris, Law Roach, and Symone.

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Mikelle Street

July 06 2020 8:23 AM EST

November 04 2024 9:47 AM EST

MikelleStreet

Sir Elton John's legacy is pretty awe-inspiring. He's had a career of over half a century, selling more than 300 million albums. And though his impact in music is large, he has undoubtedly made more of a difference through his philanthropic efforts -- namely through the Elton John AIDS Foundation. Now, he is being honored with an official U.K. coin.

Billboard reports that the new accolade makes him the first solo artist to ever receive a coin. The commemorative edition was created by The Royal Mint as well as Universal Music Group's Bravado merchandise division. Releasing today, it comes in gold, silver, and non-precious metal. On the coin, instead of John's face, a top hat, bowtie and suit jacket appear with his name ELTON JOHN embossed across the piece. The Union Jack flag is in the background.

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"It really is a fabulous honor to be recognized in this way," the singer and songwriter said in a statement. "The last few years have contained some of the most memorable moments of my career, and this is another truly humbling milestone in my journey." In addition to the Oscar-winning Rocketman biopic, John also became the first living musician on a Royal Mail stamp. In 2018 the singer launched his final tour with the Farewell Yellow Brick Road world tour. In April, he postponed the remaining dates of that musical event in response to the ongoing global pandemic, and will close it out in 2021.