Fifty Pence 2020 Rosalind Franklin, Coin from United Kingdom - detailed information

The British fifty pence (50p) coin - often pronounced as "fifty pee" - is a unit of currency equalling one half of a Pound Sterling. It is a seven-sided coin formed as an equilateral-curve heptagon, or Reuleaux polygon - a curve of constant width, meaning that the diameter is constant across any bisection. This shape, which was revolutionary at the time of its introduction, makes it easily distinguishable from round coins both by feel and by sight, while its constant breadth allows it to roll in vending machines.

The first UK Fifty Pence coin was issued in 1969 with the classic Britannia reverse design by Christopher Ironside, which was superseded in 2008 by the Matthew Dent design for circulation coins.The denomination is also extensively used to issue circulating commemorative coins.

Beginning in 2009, the Royal Mint started issuing 50 pence coins for collectors - such as this one - which are not meant to be released in circulation, so are classified as Non-Circulating Legal Tender (NCLT).

This 50p commemorative coin is the second in a series celebrating British innovators in science (the first one commemorated Stephen Hawking in 2019); it commemorates Rosalind Franklin (1920 - 1958).

Rosalind Franklin’s brilliant mind and tireless dedication enabled breakthroughs in multiple fields. Best known today for her research into DNA, Franklin was a world authority on the chemical structure of viruses, as well as coal and graphite. Tragically she died of ovarian cancer aged just 37, denying her the awards and recognition that would surely have come during her lifetime.

The Royal Mint marks what would have been Franklin’s 100th birthday with this 50p coin issued in gold, silver (Proof and Proof Piedfort) and in Brilliant Uncirculated copper-nickel; it acknowledges her immense contribution to advancing humanity’s cause.

Inspired by the historical injustice of the failure to credit Franklin’s role in determining the structure of DNA, Royal Mint graphic designer David Knapton uses the printing techniques of the era to restore her rightful legacy. By including her name in the design along with Photograph 51, the ground-breaking image she captured with Raymond Gosling of the building blocks of life, he places Franklin at the heart of the DNA story. It’s a fitting tribute to a scientist who was instrumental in enabling one of the greatest discoveries of the twentieth century.

These 50 pence coins were struck in various collector formats but none were issued into general circulation.