From Guitar World · · 1m 20s
Pink Floyd's $6,400 gold guitar pick
The Royal Mint struck a Dark Side of the Moon plectrum in 18 carat gold, and only 10 exist.
In brief
The Royal Mint struck a Dark Side of the Moon plectrum in 18 carat gold, and only 10 exist. Rare Pink Floyd memorabilia has become a serious collectors market, and the Mint is now minting for it. Originally reported by Guitar World.
Floyd gear prints money
David Gilmour's Black Strat has sold twice at auction for a combined $18.55 million, making it the most expensive guitar in the world.
A bargain by comparison
Next to an eight-figure Strat, a gold Dark Side of the Moon plectrum at $6,400 starts to look almost reasonable.
“a gold Dark Side of the Moon plectrum is a veritable bargain at $6,400”
The Mint meets the band
The Royal Mint, which has already worked with the Who and Queen, partnered with Pink Floyd in May. This pick is the second wave of that collaboration.
Ten picks, 18 carat gold
Each of the 10 pieces costs £4,750. That money could buy a Murphy Lab Les Paul or two premium PRS Silver Skys instead.
You can actually play it
The Mint says the beveled edge makes it a working plectrum, not just a display piece. Brian May and Billy Gibbons already get great tone off coins.
“its tactile, beveled edge makes this plectrum a fully functional accessory for the guitar”
Copper for the rest of us
A copper version sells for £39.95, roughly $54. Meanwhile the hunt for Syd Barrett's Mirror Disc Telecaster continues, with verification the main obstacle.
The short version
Rare Pink Floyd memorabilia has become a serious collectors market, and the Mint is now minting for it.
