George Michael, the beloved singer who rose to fame with Wham!, is now being honored with a limited edition £5 coin by the Royal Mint. This commemorative coin celebrates his solo career, showcasing his likeness with his classic sunglasses and a line from his iconic song “Faith.”

Additionally, fans of David Bowie will appreciate a coin celebrating his groundbreaking music and androgynous style. Bowie’s sexual fluidity became a hallmark of his persona.

As for other LGBTQ figures on coins and dollars:

While representation is increasing, there are still relatively few historical figures recognized on currency for their LGBTQ identities. Here are a few notable examples:

  • Harvey Milk: The first openly gay elected official in California, Milk was featured on a limited edition U.S. quarter in 2021.
  • Sally Ride: The first American woman in space, who was also a lesbian, appeared on the U.S. quarter in 2022 .
  • Alan Turing: This British mathematician and pioneer in computer science, who was gay, is featured on the UK’s £50 note.