UK’s Royal Mint honour the Spice Girls with commemorative coin for ‘Wannabe’ anniversary
UK’s Royal Mint honour the Spice Girls with commemorative coin for ‘Wannabe’ anniversary
As the Spice Girls prepare to commemorate the 30th anniversary of their debut single, the UK’s Royal Mint has announced a special tribute through a unique coin series. The £5 denomination coins will feature the group’s iconic imagery, marking a milestone in their legacy. This release comes as a celebration of the era-defining moment that launched their global rise.
Three decades ago, the mid-1990s were a time of cultural shifts. Television shows like Friends were concluding their second season, and the Scream film reignited interest in horror cinema. Meanwhile, pop music saw the emergence of new acts, with the Fugees gaining attention for their smooth sound. Brad Pitt and Gwyneth Paltrow were at the peak of their fame as a power couple, while a group of five young women released their first single, ‘Wannabe’, which became a defining anthem of the decade.
The coin’s design, crafted by artist Ffion Rees, highlights the silhouette of each Spice Girl: Melanie Chisholm (Sporty Spice), Emma Bunton (Baby Spice), Geri Halliwell-Horner (Ginger Spice), Melanie Brown (Scary Spice), and Victoria Beckham (Posh Spice). This marks the first time the Royal Mint’s “music legends” collection includes a female group, offering fans a chance to own a piece of the band’s enduring influence.
“The Spice Girls didn’t just dominate pop music, they defined the 90s,” said Lucy Mackenzie, director of digital and product concept at the Royal Mint. “Now, for the first time, fans and collectors everywhere can own a piece of that legacy. The unique packaging celebrating each Spice Girl makes it one of our most collectable music legends releases.”
In a statement, the Spice Girls expressed their gratitude for the honor. “It’s a huge honour for us to be celebrated by the Royal Mint and follow in the footsteps of some true music icons,” they shared. “2026 marks a special year for us as we celebrate the 30th anniversary of our debut single and album. We could never have imagined that we would be recognised in this way – the first female group to be given their very own coin… What a moment for Girl Power!”
Previously, the Royal Mint’s music legends series has featured icons such as Freddie Mercury, David Bowie, Dame Shirley Bassey, John Lennon, and Paul McCartney. The ‘Wannabe’ coin collection will be available starting 3 March, with prices ranging from £18.50 to £10,535 for a 2oz gold proof coin in a £200 denomination.
