Beatles legend McCartney stars in new UK coin collection

Few accolades have escaped Beatles songwriter Paul McCartney's stellar career, and now, the UK's Royal Mint said Friday that he would be recognized with a collection of £5 ($6.35) coins.

The 82-year-old composer of timeless hits such as "Yesterday," "Let it Be," and "Hey Jude" helped design the coin and said being the star of the collection was "a huge honor."

"It's not anything I would have ever expected to happen when I was a kid," he added.

An undated handout picture released by The Royal Mint, received in London on December 5, 2024, shows the designs on a display of Paul McCartney £5 coins. There are few accolades missing from Beatles songwriter Paul McCartney's stellar career, and he is now to be recognised with a collection of £5 ($6.35) coins, the UK's Royal Mint said Friday. The coin's design features the psychedelic "magic piano" featured in the 1967 Magical Mystery Tour film, music notes chosen by McCartney, a bass guitar and the logo of his post-Beatles band Wings. Photo by Royal Mint / AFP

The coin's design features the psychedelic "magic piano" featured in the 1967 Magical Mystery Tour film, music notes chosen by McCartney, a bass guitar, and the logo of his post-Beatles band Wings.

"Our coins recognize the greatest icons and events in British history, so it's fitting that Paul McCartney's remarkable music career is now celebrated on an official UK coin," said Rebecca Morgan, director of the commemorative coin at the Royal Mint.

"What makes this coin extra special is that Paul has been involved throughout the design process... and we hope fans will enjoy the layered references to songs, instruments, and bands," she added.

McCartney has sold over 100 million albums and 100 million singles worldwide and has just begun the European leg of his "Got Back" tour.

The coins can be bought on the Royal Mint's website, with prices starting from £15.50.

The Royal Mint will also auction a five-kilogram gold coin that took over 250 hours to make and will be signed by McCartney next year.

The $ 5 coin is issued as a souvenir for special occasions. They are not in ordinary circulation.