The Royal Mint sends a silver coin into space to celebrate the intergalactic legacy of ‘Starman’ David Bowie.
- The Royal Mint has launched a new commemorative coin range in honour of music legend Davie Bowie.
- It is the first time a UK coin has gone into space, and pays homage to Davie Bowie’s space inspired hits including Starman, Life on Mars? and Space Oddity.
Amy James (PR and Social Executive at the Royal mint) confirmed to Gold and Silver UK that the coin sent to space was a David Bowie 2020 UK 1oz Silver Proof colour coin and added:
“This particular coin also bears the inscription ‘THE STARS ARE NEVER FAR AWAY’ and only appears on this coin.”
The Royal Mint, the Original Maker of UK coins, has launched a commemorative coin celebrating the career of one of Britain’s most enduring musical icons – David Bowie.
It is the first time that a UK coin has been sent into space, and celebrates the intergalactic legacy of David Bowie and his hits including Starman, Life on Mars? and Space Oddity.
The coin reached 35,656m and orbited the Earth’s atmosphere for 45 minutes before safely descending back to Britain. The coin will now be offered as a competition prize for David Bowie fans via The Royal Mint’s Facebook page.
The David Bowie commemorative coin is the third in The Royal Mint’s ‘Music Legends’ collection, and follows coins in honour of Queen and Elton John. The latest coin celebrates rock’s definitive chameleon with a design inspired by an image of David Bowie from his time spent living and recording in Berlin.
The coin’s design includes the iconic lightning bolt motif from Aladdin Sane, and captures Bowie’s career journey.
Using the latest innovative technology and manufacturing techniques, the lightning bolt that features on a number of the special edition coins appears laced with stardust to create a glitter effect – elevating the stunning detail of the coin.
Clare Maclennan, Divisional Director of Commemorative Coin at The Royal Mint said, “We are thrilled to unveil the third coin in The Royal Mint’s ‘Music Legends’ series, honouring the intergalactic legacy and career of David Bowie. In recognition of Bowie’s first hit single ‘Space Oddity’, we felt it was fitting to send his coin into space and celebrate the Starman in his own pioneering fashion. David Bowie’s music has inspired and influenced generations of musicians and we hope this commemorative coin will be cherished by fans around the world.”
Born in Brixton, South London in 1947, Bowie started life as David Robert Jones. By the time he was 19 he had taken on his iconic name and began pursuing a career in pop music. Five days ahead of the Apollo 11 launch in July 1969, ‘Space Oddity’ was released in the United Kingdom. The single reached number five in the charts, making it Bowie’s first success as a writer and performer. David Bowie’s influence can be seen and heard everywhere and he continues to inspire hundreds of millions of musicians worldwide.
Available as limited-edition precious metal Proof editions and a standard Brilliant Uncirculated edition, the Brilliant Uncirculated coin is also available in three different slipcase covers exclusive to The Royal Mint – a fitting tribute to the career of one of British music’s most enduring icons.
The Royal Mint is the world’s largest export mint, supplying coins to the UK and overseas countries.
Other popular coins include the Britannia coin. Read more about the Britannia coin here.
The Royal Mint and Precious Metals.
Throughout history The Royal Mint’s name has been synonymous with precious metals and bullion. The organisation trades physical and digital precious metal worldwide and has a global network of distributor partners.
Available Gold and Silver David Bowie coins include:
David Bowie 2020 UK Silver Proof Commemorative Coin.
Half Ounce, One Ounce, Two Ounce and Five Ounce Silver Proof Coin.
David Bowie 2020 UK Gold Proof Commemorative Coin.
Quarter-Ounce, One Ounce, Two Ounce, Five Ounce and Kilo Gold Proof Coin.
Also available are David Bowie 2020 UK Brilliant Uncirculated Commemorative Coins. View the full collection on The Royal Mint’s website www.royalmint.com/DavidBowie