United Kingdom: Latest “Innovation in Science” series 50-pence coins celebrate centenary anniversary of the discovery of insulin

The Royal Mint has released the fifth collectable coin in the ongoing series entitled “Innovation in Science,” which marks 100 years since the development of insulin. The life-saving and life-changing treatment for diabetes was discovered by researchers Dr. John Macleod, Sir Frederick Banting, Dr. Charles Best, and Dr. James Collip in 1921. The collaboration resulted in perhaps one of the most important treatments for diabetes — once regarded as an untreatable affliction. At the turn of the century, all doctors could prescribe for diabetes was a strict low-calorie, no-carbohydrate diet, which was essentially the only effective treatment for the condition where the body either produced none or insufficient levels of natural insulin. 

In 1921 researchers at the University of Toronto under the directorship of John Macleod (1876–1935) began a series of experiments that would ultimately lead to the isolation and commercial production of insulin. 

The coins are designed by renowned artist Iris De La Torre, the contemporary design is an artistic interpretation of the structure of insulin along with its molecular formula. Inspired by an image of human insulin crystals through a microscope, the design features a geometric pattern repeated using hexagons and circular shapes. The text in lower case letters reads insulin along with the chemical formula and structure C257 H383 N65 O77 S6, which is found just under the first line of text.

The obverse bears the fifth definitive effigy of HM Queen Elizabeth II designed by engraver Jody Clark and seen on all British circulation and commemorative coinage since 2015. The denomination 50 PENCE is part of the legend encircling the Queen’s likeness. 

Denom.	Metal	Weight	Diameter	Quality	Maximum Mintage
50 pence	Cupro-nickel	8 g	27.3 mm	Brilliant Unc.	Unlimited
50 pence	.925 Silver	8 g	27.3 mm	Proof	3,710
50 pence	.925 Silver	16 g	27.3 mm	Proof	1,510
50 pence	.9167 Gold	15.5 g	27.3 mm	Proof	260

Each Brilliant Uncirculated cupro-nickel coin is presented in a blister-pak type folder with informative text and illustrations. Both versions of the sterling silver Proof coins are presented in a custom black vinyl case and the gold Proof coins are presented in a polished hardwood case. Each is accompanied by a numbered certificate of authenticity. For additional information about the Insulin centenary anniversary coins, please visit the website of the Royal Mint.   

Other coins in the series include coins released in recognition of the life and work of inventors Charles Babbage, John Logie Baird, Rosalind Franklin, and Stephen Hawking. 

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