George Michael commemorative coin, USA News (Llantrisant, Wales): The Royal Mint Advisory Committee insisted George Michael’s chest hair be made more prominent on a commemorative coin honouring the late pop icon, newly revealed documents show. Freedom-of-information documents obtained by The Telegraph from the committee’s deliberations highlighted a series of unexpectedly detailed design demands for the 2024 silver piece.
The records provide a look into the meticulous process by which the historic institution, headquartered in Llantrisant, Wales, crafts its collectable coins and jewellery. On the coin, the singer, who died in 2016, is depicted wearing his hallmark sunglasses and a crucifix earring against a guitar backdrop.
Beyond the chest hair request, the committee raised concerns that the jaw-line, mouth, and lips were not correctly aligned in the portrait. They also requested that the surface of the sunglasses be smoothed over and the gap in the sound bars immediately to the left of the cheek be closed up.
The finished silver coin went on sale at GBP 255 as part of the Royal Mint’s Music Legends series, which has previously celebrated artists such as David Bowie, Elton John, and Queen. It features an engraving of the refrain from the singer’s hit Faith with black and red colouring.
The committee’s exacting eye extended to other projects as well. Documents showed that a coin depicting Britannia prompted requests for her bust to be enhanced and her clothing reduced. A separate design featuring John Lennon required amendments directing that wispy hair be removed from the top of the former Beatle’s head.
The Royal Mint, established over 1,100 years ago and once housed within the Tower of London, counts Sir Isaac Newton among its former masters. Today it employs more than 900 staff at its Welsh base in Llantrisant.
Sandra Deiana, who designed the coin, stated she aimed to create a detailed portrait capturing his charismatic expression, noting she was particularly thinking of his iconic sunglasses. George Michael Entertainment expressed being deeply honoured by the tribute, stating the singer would have been enormously proud and genuinely touched.
Steve Stunt, from the George Michael Appreciation Society of Bushey, called the recognition fantastic and awesome. Mr Michael grew up in Hertfordshire after moving from Edgware as a child and formed Wham! with schoolmate Andrew Ridgeley at Bushey Meads School.
