The Royal Mint is paying tribute to the artist George Michael with an official UK coin.

Fans of the singer songwriter were being placed in a virtual queue on Monday morning as tens of thousands of people flocked to the website as the collection went on sale.

The coins pay tribute to George Michael’s iconic second solo hit single Faith and have been officially approved by his estate. It comes months after Wham!’s Last Christmas reached number one in the UK charts 39 years after its initial release.

Designed by artist and sculptor Sandra Deiana, the new collectable coin portrays the famous headshot of the singer wearing his trademark sunglasses. The colours black and red have been chosen for the collectables, having also been used prominently in material throughout his career.

Rebecca Morgan, Director of Collector Services at The Royal Mint said: “From his debut with WHAM! to becoming one of the bestselling solo musicians of all time, George Michael is a global superstar whose work has inspired and influenced generations with his music and his unique style. Loved by millions of fans worldwide, we are delighted to be introducing an official UK coin celebrating his life and legacy.”

George Michael first rose to fame in the 1980s as a member of the duo Wham! – selling more than 30 million records. He went on to embark on a solo career selling 125 million records worldwide and becoming one of the best-selling musicians of all time.

The full George Michael coin collection is available to view and buy via the The Royal Mint’s website.

The music legend joins the likes of David Bowie, Elton John and Queen in being featured in a Royal Mint release.