Aretha Franklin 2024 1oz Silver Proof Coloured Coin

Aretha Franklin is considered by many to be the greatest singer of all time. Born on 25 March 1942 in Memphis, Tennessee, the legendary artist’s unmistakeable sound earned her the iconic epithet, the ‘Queen of Soul’. Music defined Aretha’s life from an early age, singing and playing piano in her father’s New Bethel Baptist Church in Detroit, and on the gospel circuit. Known to many prominent musicians of the day, including the ‘King of Gospel’ James Cleveland, she was just 18 when she signed her first record deal.

Aretha’s style soon burgeoned beyond her early influences. A supporter of civil rights and equality, she bridged the spiritual and the secular to become universally recognised as soul music’s greatest voice.

In 1967, a year of widespread protest, she recorded Otis Redding’s Respect, injecting it with new life and urgency that was perfectly in tune with the public mood. As her signature track, it remains an anthem for female empowerment.

Aretha’s career spanned nearly six decades, during which she recorded 112 singles that charted in the US. Her astonishing repertoire included I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You), (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman, Rock Steady, and I Say a Little Prayer, among many others. Aged 76, Aretha Franklin passed away on 16 September 2018. A global superstar and powerful cultural influence, she has always commanded unequivocal respect.

Struck by The Perth Mint from 1oz of 99.99% pure silver, the coin is issued as legal tender under the authority of the Government of Tuvalu.

The Perth Mint will release no more than 5,000 of the Aretha Franklin 2024 1oz Silver Proof Coloured Coin.