The Who is the world’s best rock band. I know because Roger Daltrey emphatically told me so once when I had the chance to interview him. The best ‘effing’ band in the world to be more precise (he didn’t actually say ‘effing,’ know what I mean?) And it was a sentiment the legendary frontman urged me to relay to ‘Pete’ in the wake of the band’s original breakup (late 1983), along with the notion that he, Roger, was ready to rejoin the effing band whenever Townshend was effing prepared to put it back together.

That memory – and my pride that Roger would think that I was actually on any terms whatsoever with his equally legendary partner to do so – came to mind recently when I read that Britain’s Royal Mint had launched a new series of collectable coins celebrating the iconic British band.

That’s not to say The Who is the best band ever – any such argument would naturally include The Beatles and Stones, and some would certainly shout out for Led Zeppelin.

At the same time, The Royal Mint already offers collections of Queen, Bowie and Elton John – all part of its ‘Music Legends series.”

But The Who belongs in the conversation, as reflected in the coin series, for which my old friend Roger struck one of the first pressings, giving the band’s seal of approval.

The coin’s design includes some of the most iconic symbols from The Who’s live and loud performances, including a union flag, Mod logo and speaker-smashing Rickenbacker guitar. Together, the symbols form a pinball table – a nod to the single “Pinball Wizard” and album “Tommy,” the so-called rock opera and one of the band’s most famous creations.

Using the latest colour printing technology, elements of the coin have been digitally printed to showcase the vibrant red, white, and blue of the band’s emblem.

Similarly, innovative technology and manufacturing techniques enabled a number of coins to feature a special ‘shockwave’ effect, radiating from the speaker, in honour of The Who’s record-breaking loud concert in 1976 – a Guinness record that was held for a decade.

So, what’s all the fuss about? We’ll leave it to mic-twirling Roger, windmill-strumming Pete, the late great sticks man Keith Moon, and bass god John Entwistle to convince in this classic ‘70s performance of “Baba O’Reilly” (otherwise known as Teenage Wasteland).

They may or not be the best band ever, but these kids were alright.

Lyrics

Out here in the fields
I farm for my meals
I get my back into my living
I don’t need to fight
To prove I’m right
I don’t need to be forgiven

Don’t cry
Don’t raise your eye
It’s only teenage wasteland

Sally, take my hand
Travel south cross land
Put out the fire
Don’t look past my shoulder
The exodus is here
The happy ones are near
Let’s get together
Before we get much older

Teenage wasteland
It’s only teenage wasteland
Teenage wasteland
Oh, oh
Teenage wasteland
They’re all wasted