The Royal Mint sends a coin into space in honour of Starman David Bowie

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The Royal Mint, the original maker of UK coins, has today launched a commemorative coin celebrating the career of one of Britainand#39;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 Earthand#39;s atmosphere for 45 minutes before safely descending back to Britain.

The David Bowie commemorative coin is the third in The Royal Mintand#39;s and#39;Music Legendsand#39; collection, and follows coins in honour of Queen and Elton John. The latest coin celebrates rockand#39;s definitive chameleon with a design inspired by an image of David Bowie from his time spent living and recording in Berlin. The coinand#39;s design includes the iconic lightning bolt motif from Aladdin Sane, and captures Bowieand#39;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 Mintand#39;s and#39;Music Legendsand#39; series, honouring the intergalactic legacy and career of David Bowie. In recognition of Bowieand#39;s first hit single and#39;Space Oddityand#39;, we felt it was fitting to send his coin into space and celebrate the Starman in his own pioneering fashion. David Bowieand#39;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, and#39;Space Oddityand#39; was released in the United Kingdom. The single reached number five in the charts, making it Bowieand#39;s first success as a writer and performer. David Bowieand#39;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 musicand#39;s most enduring icons. View the full collection on The Royal Mintand#39;s website

December 06, 2020

David Bowie Royal Mint