DNA Two Pound Coin

Introducing the DNA 2 Pound Coin

In the Cavendish Laboratory at the University of Cambridge in 1953, Francis Crick and James Watson, along with the help of Rosalind Franklin, identified DNA’s molecular structure for the first time in history. The structure they discovered was the double helix and contains the genetic information for all living organisms. DNA stands for ‘DeoxyriboNucleic Acid’ and is made up of four building blocks, always paired in a specific way. Adenine always pairs with thymine and cytosine always pairs with guanine. In humans, these base pairs create long structures called chromosomes. Their breakthrough still has an impact in research and discoveries today. 

2003 DNA 2 Pound Coin

The DNA 2 pound coin reverse side features the double helix structure moving across the coin. Designed by John Mills, the stylised depiction also notes the base pairs within the DNA strand. Along the edge is inscribed the full name of DNA, ‘Deoxyribonucleic Acid.’ 

The obverse has the fourth crowned portrait of HM Queen Elizabeth II by Ian Rank-Broadley. 

(Caption: Image of DNA structure and base pairs)

How Much is the DNA Double Helix 2 Pound Coin Worth?

The Royal Mint minted the coin 4,299,000 times. It’s become a less common coin to find. On eBay, as of May 2019, the highest price for the DNA 2 pound coin was £24.99. It was sealed in its original packaging. 

Other Versions of the DNA Double Helix 2 Pound Coin

There are other versions of the Double Helix 2 pound coin. The Royal Mint also released the Brilliant Uncirculated, Silver Proof (mintage of 25,000), Silver Proof Piedfort (mintage of 10,000), and Gold Proof (mintage of 1,500).