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LONDON, Dec. 7, 2020 /PRNewswire=KYODO JBN/ --

- The Royal Mint has launched a new commemorative coin range in honour of music

legend David Bowie

- It is the first time a UK coin has gone into space, and pays homage to David

Bowie's space inspired hits including Starman, Life on Mars? and Space Oddity

The Royal Mint, the Original Maker of UK coins, has today launched a

commemorative coin celebrating the career of one of Britain'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 Earth's

atmosphere for 45 minutes before safely descending back to Britain.  

The David Bowie commemorative coin is the third in The Royal Mint's 'Music

Legends' collection, and follows coins in honour of Queen and Elton John. The

latest coin celebrates rock's definitive chameleon with a design inspired by an

image of David Bowie from his time spent living and recording in Berlin. The

coin's design includes the iconic lightning bolt motif from Aladdin Sane, and

captures Bowie'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 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."

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,

'Space Oddity' was released in the United Kingdom. The single reached number

five in the charts, making it Bowie's first success as a writer and performer.

David Bowie'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 music's most enduring icons.

View the full collection on The Royal Mint's website

www.royalmint.com/DavidBowie

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1357913/The_Royal_Mint_David_Bowie.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1358049/The_Royal_Mint_Logo.jpg

Source: The Royal Mint