Celebrating Iron Maiden: UK Coins Commemorate 50 Years of Heavy Metal

Iron Maiden’s Coin Commemoration

In a remarkable tribute, The Royal Mint in the UK has released a special commemorative coin to mark 50 years of the legendary heavy metal band, Iron Maiden.

Celebrating Musical Icons

This addition joins the ranks of other musical legends like Queen, Elton John, and David Bowie within the Royal Mint’s esteemed coin series.

A Unique Design

The artwork for this coin was crafted by Albert “Akirant” Quirantes, known for his iconic illustrations for the band. His design features Eddie, Iron Maiden’s famous mascot, along with numerous Easter eggs symbolizing the band’s rich history in the music world.

The Artist’s Perspective

Quirantes described the coin as a “perfect fusion of metal on metal.” He expressed confidence that it will become a cherished collector’s item among both numismatists and enthusiastic music lovers.

Iron Maiden’s Legacy

With over 100 million albums sold—including classics like “Number Of The Beast,” “Killers,” and “Powerslave”—Iron Maiden’s influence is undeniable. Each of these albums showcases Eddie prominently on their covers.

A Historical Milestone

Rod Smallwood, Iron Maiden’s manager, remarked that having Eddie appear on an official UK coin is part of the mascot’s “incredible odyssey.” He noted the many other formats that have featured Eddie, from stamps to beer bottles and now to legal tender.

Artistic Details

Smallwood praised the intricate details embedded in the design, which pay homage to nearly every chapter of the band’s journey. He stated, “We’re truly honored that The Royal Mint has chosen to commemorate 50 years of Iron Maiden in such a unique way.”

Availability of the Coins

The coins were made available for purchase through The Royal Mint, starting at NZ$30 for a £5 coin and NZ$49 for the colorful variant. A limited edition £200 coin is also up for grabs at around NZ$11,541.