Home £2 Coins DNA Double Helix £2 Coin

DNA Double Helix £2 Coin

by Simon Barker

dna double helix £2 coin

Information
  • Circulation: 4,299,000
  • Year issued: 2003
  • Edge inscription: Deoxyribonucleic Acid
  • Value circulated: £2.00
  • Value circulated in excellent condition: £5.00
  • Value uncirculated: £20.00
  • Composition: Inner – cupro-nickel. Outer – Nickel-Brass
  • Scarcity index: 9

The DNA £2 was released to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the discovery of Deoxyribonucleic Acid, or DNA. This is a lovely item for anyone interested in science or genetics.

History of the coin

When the first £2 was issued, it was only used as a commemorative coin. The first design was for the 1986 Commonwealth Games in Scotland. 

When the decision was taken to have a circulating £2, the coin became a bi-metallic one and it was first released in 1998. 

About DNA 

In 1953, Francis Crick and James Watson discovered DNA, or Deoxyribonucleic Acid.

They identified the structure as a double helix, which contains genetic information for all living organisms, and this information is passed down to each generation. 

DNA is often used by the police to help solve crimes. It can be obtained from hair samples, skin, saliva and blood. It can also be used to confirm a person’s parentage and botanists and zoologists also use it to study animals and plants.

How many DNA £2 coins were made?

4,299,000 DNA £2 coins were issued in 2003. 

Design and Designer

The design shows the double helix structure of DNA. The words ‘DNA Double Helix’ appear at the top on the perimeter.

  • Obverse design:

Iain Rank-Broadley’s portrait of Queen Elizabeth II.

  • Designer: John Mills

John Mills is an artist and sculptor. He was a lecturer in colleges in England and the USA until 1977. In 1982 he was made a Fellow of the Royal Society of British Sculptors, and was President in 1986 and 1997.

He has had many exhibitions all over the World and his commissions include the William Blake Memorial in London, a memorial to Alan Turing at the University of Surrey and Thoughtful Girl at the University of Michigan. 

He has also designed a number of coins and medals for the Royal Mint, including medals to commemorate the centenary of the Eddystone Lighthouse and the 50th Anniversary of the Berlin Airlift. He also has some circulating coins such as the D Day 50p, the Peace £2 and the Euro Cup £2.

Variations

The circulation of the DNA £2 was 4,299,000

  • Brilliant uncirculated coins are available
  • 25,000 Silver Proof coins were produced
  • 10,000 Silver Proof Piedfort coins were produced
  •  1,500 Gold Proof coins were produced

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