Wake me up before it goes-goes! Coin depicting Diana's friend George Michael during his Faith years that was a

King Charles has approved a new collectable coin featuring George Michael's signature look from his debut solo album Faith which is set to be released by the Royal Mint today.

The Wham! singer, who died aged 53 on Christmas Day in 2016, will be depicted on the coins, which range from 50p to £200, wearing his trademark sunglasses.

The King, along with the Privy Council, gave his assent to the coins on Tuesday and they will be available to buy from the Royal Mint's website from 9am today.

Michael had a long association with the Royal Family and was friends with the late Princess Diana.

He would be invited to parties at Kensington Palace and once revealed how a young Prince William asked him to perform one of his hit songs to the guests.

Princess Diana (left) and George Michael attending 'A Concert of Hope', a benefit concert on World AIDS Day at Wembley in 1994

George Michael performing in 1992. The coins have been designed by artist and sculptor Sandra Deiana. The Mint said the coin has been officially approved by Michael's estate 

The black and red coin. The coin features the singer-songwriter's signature look from his debut solo album Faith which includes his trademark sunglasses

The coins come in three distinct versions. Prices for the coins start from £15.50 for a £5 denomination brilliant uncirculated coin, with a colour version available for £24.50. A 2oz gold coin, with a denomination of £200, is available for £5,305

The singer admitted that he chose not to because he was terrified. He said: 'He was a lovely kid but I was at a Christmas party at Kensington Palace and the only other person I knew there was Elton John. 

'William asked me would it be OK if I sang a song and maybe Uncle Elton play the piano. I had to say 'no'. I can't believe I've just said no to the future king. I was too embarrassed to sing in front of a group of strangers.'

Michael's coin is the latest in the Mint's Music Legends series, following David Bowie, Sir Elton John and Queen. 

Designed by artist and sculptor Sandra Deiana, the coin portrays a headshot of Michael, wearing sunglasses and features an engraving of the refrain of Faith. 

The colours black and red feature on a selection of the coins. The Mint said the coin has been officially approved by Michael's estate. 

Ms Deiana said: 'From the beginning of the project, I was clear about certain elements that I wanted to incorporate into the design. 

'I wanted a detailed portrait that captured his charismatic expression - I was particularly thinking of his iconic sunglasses. 

Michael (pictured with Diana in 1994) would be invited to parties at Kensington Palace and once revealed how a young Prince William asked him to perform one of his hit songs to the guests

Diana shakes hands with George Michael at The World Aids Day Annual 'Concert Of Hope in 1993

'It's amazing to be able to pay tribute to his music and what you see in the design is truly a piece of George Michael's song.' 

Wham!'s songs have remained popular and their 1984 festive song 'Last Christmas' finally secured the 'Christmas Number 1' spot for the first time on the UK music charts in December, 39 years after its release. 

Michael's bandmate, Andrew Ridgely, said reaching top spot would have been a case of 'mission accomplished' for the late star, who wrote the song with the goal of securing a festive number one.

Prices for the coins, which feature the King on the other side, start from £15.50 for a £5 denomination brilliant uncirculated coin, with a colour version available for £24.50. 

A 2oz gold coin, with a denomination of £200, is available for £5,305.