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 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.

The coin’s reverse portrays a black and white image of Aretha Franklin singing in front of a microphone. The design includes a representation of ‘Aretha!’ in handwritten lettering. Also within the design is The Perth Mint’s ‘P’ mintmark.

Each coin is presented in a special themed shipper and accompanied by a numbered certificate of authenticity.