Two Pound DNA Coin

The Royal Mint released this silver proof Two Pound coin to mark 50 years since the discovery of the structure of DNA by Francis Crick and James Watson. The two men worked together at Kings College London to use X-ray diffraction when studying the structure of DNA. They discovered the double helix and published news of their discovery in 1953. This laid the foundations for the further impressive and groundbreaking advances in molecular biology which have succeeded it. For this celebratory coin, the reverse is designed by sculptor John Mills.

The image features the double helix spiraling across the coin, with strands highlighting the strands of chromosomes and the letter notations for the four main components of DNA. Around the edge is an inscription of the full scientific name for DNA: ‘Deoxyribonucleic Acid’. This is paired on the obverse with Ian Rank-Broadley’s portrait of Queen Elizabeth II. Struck in 12.00 grams of .925 sterling silver with a band of fine gold plating around the rim. This edition is from a limited edition presentation of 11,204 coins. Offered by The Britannia Coin Company in its original packaging from The Royal Mint with a certificate of authenticity.