United Kingdom: Latest gold and silver Proof coins in popular “Music Legends” series honours Dame Shirley Bassey

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The Royal Mint has released the latest collection of gold and silver Proof coins which honour one of Britain’s most beloved singers and entertainers, Dame Shirley Bassey. She is featured on the sixth release in the popular “Music Legends” series and becomes the first female included as part of the collection. Dame Shirley was invited to personally strike the first coin in the collection, visiting the Royal Mint’s facilities in Pontyclun, Cardiff.

Designed by Sue Aperghis, her appropriately dazzling design features Dame Shirley’s name front and centre and a silhouette of Dame Shirley as she had been seen on stage countless times during her long career. The design acknowledges the three James Bond movie theme tunes for which Dame Shirley provided vocals. The song title DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER is placed on each side of Dame Shirley’s silhouette, which is centred. The song title MOONRAKER is placed just above the name Shirley and to the right, the title GOLDFINGER is seen in a vertical direction within the letter “h.” The design also pays tribute to the performer’s Welsh roots with a small depiction of the Welsh dragon just over the capital letter “B.” Taking centre stage is a silhouette of Dame Shirley Bassey.

Using the latest innovative technology and striking techniques, the Proof coins feature a confetti stardust style effect in the text Dame Shirley Bassey, recognising her incomparable career. A selection of the Proof coins also feature cut lettering, which creates a diamond-like faceting to the text DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER.

The obverse of each coin option features the fifth definitive effigy of HM King Charles III, designed by Martin Jennings and introduced onto British commemorative and circulation-type coins in 2022. The denomination from 2 POUNDS to 200 POUNDS, and the year of issue 2023, also appear on the obverse as part of the legend surrounding the King’s likeness.

Denom.	Metal	Weight	Diameter	Quality	Maximum Mintage
5 pounds	Cupro-nickel	28.2 g	38.6 mm	Brilliant Unc.	Unlimited
5 pounds	Cupro-nickel	28.2 g	38.6 mm	Brilliant Unc. with applied colour	5,000
2 pounds	.999 Silver	31.2 g	38.6 mm	Proof with applied colour	2,500
5 pounds	.999 Silver	62.4 g	40 mm	Proof	350
10 pounds	.999 Silver	156.29 g	65 mm	Proof	600
25 pounds	.9999 Gold	7.8 g	22 mm	Proof	350
100 pounds	.9999 Gold	31.21 g	32.6 mm	Proof	150
200 pounds	.9999 Gold	62.42 g	40 mm	Proof	70

The Brilliant Uncirculated cupro-nickel coins are presented in a blister-pak type folder with illustrations and informative text about this enduring rock group. The silver Proof strikes are encapsulated and presented in black branded custom cases and accompanied by a numbered certificate of authenticity. The gold pieces are encapsulated and presented in gloss-polished hardwood custom cases accompanied by a certificate of authenticity. For additional information about these coins and others available from the Royal Mint, please visit their website.

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