Heavy metal: Iron Maiden's 50 years celebrated on new UK coins
The heavy metal band has joined the likes of Queen, Elton John and David Bowie in the Royal Mint's 'music legends' coins series.
Designed by Iron Maiden's artist Albert "Akirant" Quirantes, the design features the band's mascot Eddie as well as numerous hidden Easter eggs referencing the band's career, albums, and world tours.
Quirantes said the coin was the "perfect fusion of metal on metal".
"We expect it will prove to be a collector's piece that's highly sought after by both numismatists and passionate rock fans alike."
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It's estimated Iron Maiden has sold in excess of 100 million albums including Number Of The Beast, Killers and Powerslave. Each featured mascot Eddie on the album artwork.
Iron Maiden's manager Rod Smallwood said having Eddie on an official UK coin was a continuation of of the band mascot's "incredible odyssey".
"We've been on stamps, beer bottles, plane tails and now legal tender."
Smallwood said the detail packed into the design was "superb".
"There are little nods to virtually every chapter of our journey as a band. We're truly honoured that The Royal Mint has chosen to commemorate 50 years of Iron Maiden in such a unique way."
The coins were available to buy from the Royal Mint from Tuesday (local time) for NZ$30 for a £5 denomination coin, and NZ$49 for a colour version.
The collection also included a £200 available for NZ$11,541.
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