Coin celebrating ‘Starman’ David Bowie sent into space
7 December 2020, 06:54
The Royal Mint is now offering the coin which went into space as a prize as it launches other Bowie coins for sale on its website.
New David Bowie coins are being offered for sale by the Royal Mint as part of its “music legends” collection.
One of the coins celebrating the Starman, Life On Mars? and Space Oddity singer was launched into space.
The one ounce silver proof coin orbited the Earth’s atmosphere for 45 minutes before safely descending, and is now being offered as a prize via the Royal Mint’s Facebook page.
The Mint said it will share further details about this through its social media channels and the winner will eventually be selected at random.
Fans can also buy the coins from the Royal Mint’s website.
Prices range from £13 for a brilliant uncirculated £5 coin to a more “out of this world” £72,195 for a UK kilo gold coin in a denomination of £1,000. A maximum of 11 of the £72,195 gold coins will be minted.
A five ounce Bowie gold coin is also available for £11,815, in a maximum mintage of 60 coins.
Born in south London, Bowie started life as David Robert Jones. Five days ahead of the Apollo 11 launch in July 1969, Space Oddity was released in the UK.
The pioneering and influential singer whose appearance was chameleon-like died in 2016.
The latest coin celebrates Bowie with a design inspired by an image from his time spent living and recording in Berlin. The coin’s design includes the lightning bolt motif from Aladdin Sane.
Using innovative technology and manufacturing techniques, the lightning bolt that features on several of the special edition coins appears laced with stardust, to create a glitter effect.
The David Bowie commemorative coin is the third in the series and follows coins in honour of Queen and Sir Elton John.
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.”
