Royal Mint Honors Rosalind Franklin's Legacy with Commemorative Coin

A commemorative 50p coin honoring British chemist Rosalind Franklin was launched in advance of her 100th birthday. The design incorporates Franklin's name and the groundbreaking "Photograph 51," featuring the X-ray diffraction image of DNA she captured in 1952.

Royal Mint Honors Rosalind Franklin with Commemorative Coin on Centenary

In commemoration of what would have been British chemist Rosalind Franklin's 100th birthday, the Royal Mint has unveiled a commemorative 50p coin bearing her name and an iconic image.

The coin features Franklin's name alongside Photograph 51, an X-ray diffraction image of DNA that she captured in 1952 with scientist Raymond Gosling at King's College London. This groundbreaking image played a crucial role in unraveling the double helix structure of DNA.

The coin's design, crafted by Royal Mint graphic designer David Knapton, captures the essence of the era through meticulous printing techniques. Knapton's ingenuity is evident in his creative adaptation of Photograph 51, ensuring its effective presentation on the currency.

"A straightforward replication wouldn't have worked," Knapton explained. "I opted to emulate the printing methods of the time. Aligning the final letters of Rosalind and Franklin with the addition of an 'A' to form 'DNA' was a pivotal moment in the design process."

Franklin's remarkable contributions to science included pioneering the use of X-ray diffraction and playing an instrumental role in the discovery of DNA's double helix structure. Her illustrious career was tragically cut short by ovarian cancer at the age of 37.

To honor Franklin's legacy, the Royal Mint has gifted her sister, Jenifer Glynn, with a silver proof edition of the coin. This commemorative gesture coincides with what would have been Franklin's 100th birthday on July 25.

This commemorative coin marks the second installment in the Royal Mint's Innovation in Science series, with the inaugural coin dedicated to renowned physicist Stephen Hawking.

Clare Maclennan, Divisional Director of Commemorative Coin at the Royal Mint, hailed the significance of the tribute: "This 50p coin serves as a profound testament to a scientist whose work paved the way for one of the 20th century's most groundbreaking discoveries."

Professor Ed Byrne, President and Principal of King's College London, where Franklin conducted her groundbreaking research, expressed his delight: "It is a tremendous honor for Rosalind to be formally recognized for her exceptional contributions. Her legacy continues to inspire generations of students and researchers at King's and beyond."

Rosalind Franklin's pioneering spirit and scientific brilliance have left an enduring mark on the world. This commemorative coin stands as a testament to her extraordinary achievements and the transformative impact of her work on our understanding of the fundamentals of life.