The Royal Mint, the official maker of U.K. coinage, has launched a new range of collectable coins honoring British band The Who. To celebrate the launch, Roger Daltrey, co-founder and lead singer of The Who, visited The Royal Mint to strike one of the first coins.

“It’s an honor to have a coin produced to celebrate The Who’s musical legacy,” says Daltrey. “The coin’s design captures the true essence of the band and what we represent. It was a fantastic moment being able to strike one of the very first pieces in the collection and see the range of technologies and processes involved in the making of the coin.”

The Who collectable coin is the fourth in The Royal Mint’s ‘Music Legends’ series, and follows others honoring Queen, Elton John and David Bowie. The coin’s design includes symbols from the band’s live and loud performances – including a Union Jack flag, Mod logo and a Rickenbacker guitar. Together, the symbols in the design form a pinball table, a nod to the single “Pinball Wizard,” from the 1969 rock opera, “Tommy.” Elements of the coin have been digitally printed to showcase the vibrant red, white and blue of the band’s emblem.

“The Who are an iconic British band with an incredible musical legacy, so it felt right to honor them with an official U.K. coin,” says Clare Maclennan, divisional director, commemorative coin, The Royal Mint. “The Who coin is the latest in our show-stopping Music Legends series, which celebrates legendary British artists through original new designs. It was a privilege to have Roger Daltrey visit the Mint to strike one of the first coins and meet the team of makers that have created this wonderful design. Our Music Legends series is engaging new generations of coin collectors, and we hope this design will become a cherished part of fan’s memorabilia.”   

A number of coin versions will feature a ‘shockwave’ effect, radiating from the speaker. Designers and craftspeople at the Royal Mint have developed this effect in honor of The Who’s concert at England’s Charlton Athletic Grounds in 1976.

“I am delighted that the band's work is being recognized by this fantastic range of coins from The Royal Mint,” says Pete Townshend, co-founder and lead guitarist of The Who.

Brought together by The Royal Mint and Bravado, Universal Music Group’s leading merchandise and brand management company, The Who coins are available as limited-edition proof editions as well as a Brilliant Uncirculated edition. The Brilliant Uncirculated coin is also available in color exclusive to The Royal Mint.