2020 David Bowie - Music Legends B.U. £5 Coin

This 2020 David Bowie Base Metal £5 Coin was issued by The Royal Mint. The coin features a depiction of Bowie on the reverse. 

The coin is struck to a Brilliant Uncirculated finish and comes in a colourful presentation folder. 

This is the third coin in the Music Legends Series. 

David Bowie

Bowie is undoubtedly one of the most influential musicians in modern history. Known for his creative style and innovative and constantly evolving music, as well as his alter ego, Ziggy Stardust.

Born David Robert Jones in 1947, Bowie started playing the saxaphone at an early age and showed an interest in modern jazz. For his early perfromances he used the stage name Davie (or Davy) Jones, but changed it to avoid confusion with the actor Davy Jones, who had found success with The Monkees. Bowie chose to name himself after the Bowie knife as 'it cuts both ways'.  

Bowie has sold over 100 million records. Some of his best known works include Heroes, Life on Mars, Let's Dance, Changes and his collaboration with Queen on the song Under Pressure. He was also an accomplished actor, with performances in The Prestige, The Man Who Fell to Earth, The Snowman, Zoolander, Extras and 80's cult classic, Labyrinth.

Privy Council

We first heard about the coin after the Privy Council published information about it. The Privy Council is made up of senior politicians who advise the Queen on such matters as bank holidays, coinage and lively company statuses. The Royal Mint have to submit any new coin designs to The Privy Council for approval and that information is then announced on the Privy Council website.

The obverse of the coin features the Jody Clark portrait of Queen Elizabeth II. 

The reverse was designed by Jody Clark. It features a depiction of David Bowie, with the iconic lightning bolt in the background. 'BOWIE' appears at the bottom, with stars in the upper field.