For their hard-core fans, Iron Maiden have been fearless pioneers in music, flying the flag for Britain around the globe for half a century. Their creative vision, powerful performances and dedicated following have earned them a place as one of Britain’s most influential bands. With 17 studio albums filled with classic tracks that stand the test of time, their fan-base is one of the biggest and most loyal in the world. The new range of coins commemorates 50 years of Iron Maiden in a unique way.
An English heavy metal band formed in Leyton, East London in 1975, the band was formed by bassist and primary songwriter Steve Harris. Although fluid in the early years of the band, the line-up for most of its history has consisted of Harris, first lead vocalist Paul Di’Anno, Bruce Dickinson, drummer Nicko McBrain, guitarists Dave Murray, Adrian Smith and Janick Gers. Considered early pioneers of the new wave of British heavy metal movement, Iron Maiden released a series of UK and US Platinum and Gold albums, including their 1980’s debut album titled after the band itself, 1981’s Killers, and 1982’s The Number of the Beast, which was the band’s first album with Bruce Dickinson who in 1981 replaced Paul Di’Anno as lead singer. The addition of Dickinson was a turning point in their career which established them as one of heavy metal’s most important bands.
Prominently featured since just after the band’s formation is Iron Maiden’s mascot known as Eddie the Head. Created by Dave Beazley, the band’s lighting and pyro man, Eddie has appeared in all of Iron Maiden’s album covers and most of their singles and has been a conspicuous feature of the band’s artwork, merchandise and concerts. Eddie has appeared in many forms, including a cyborg, an Egyptian mummy, a samurai warrior, and a lobotomized mental patient. It was Derek Riggs, a contemporary British artist who was recruited by the band’s manager to bring Beasley’s creation of Eddie to life on the band’s debut album cover.
Eddie’s incredible odyssey since he was unearthed back in 1980 has seen his unique image on stamps, beer bottles, plane tails and legal tender coinage in other countries – now on coinage from the United Kingdom. Designed with meticulous attention to detail by contemporary Iron Maiden artist Albert ‘Akirant’ Quirantes, his work features the band’s infamous mascot Eddie in a dynamic pose that will strike a chord with fans worldwide. The design features numerous hidden ‘Easter eggs’ referencing the band’s illustrious career and world tours with subtle nods to classic album artwork and their most beloved songs. Above the primary design is the band’s own logo IRON MAIDEN – Est. 1975 in stylised text. The obverse side includes the effigy of HM King Charles III created by engraver Martin Jennings. Both the denomination ranging from 50 PENCE to 200 POUNDS and the year of issue, 2025 is shown as part of the legend surrounding the King’s likeness.
Available from the 8th July, the BU Cupro-nickel coins are presented in a blister-pak type folder with illustrations and informative text about the last 50 years of the establishment of Iron Maiden. The silver proof strikes are encapsulated and presented in black branded custom cases and accompanied with a numbered certificate of authenticity. The 1/40th ounce gold proof coin is enclosed in a heat-sealed presentation card with specifications shown on the reverse side. The larger gold pieces are encapsulated and presented in gloss-polished hardwood custom cases accompanied with a certificate of authenticity. For additional information, please visit the e-webshop of the Royal Mint.