The British Royal Mint has launched a collectible 50-pence coin celebrating English mathematician and computer scientist Alan Turing for the first time on an official U.K. coin.
Available in gold, silver and base metal beginning on July 4, the coin honours Turing’s far-reaching achievements, which range from formulating ground-breaking theories in the fields of computing, mathematics and biology to ingenious codebreaking during the Second World War. The life and work of the “father of computing” inspired the new 50-pence design by artists Matt Dent and Christian Davies. The reverse coin features the British scientist’s name alongside a representation of the Bombe machine used during the Second World War. In a special nod to his work, the designers incorporated hidden word sequences representing a Turing quote, a significant location and the designers’ initials.
The mint issued the coin honouring Turing’s legacy on July 4.
“Alan Turing was a scientific innovator whose work shaped Britain and it is fitting that his life and achievements will be commemorated for the first time on a collectible ’50p,'” said Nicola Howell, the Mint’s chief commercial officer. “Made at the home of precious metals, where we have a rich heritage of British craftsmanship and innovation, the collectible Alan Turing coin will honour the father of computing in a range of gold, silver and base metal finishes.”
It’s the sixth and final 50-pence coin in the “Innovation in Science” series, which previously recognized Charles Babbage, John Logie Baird, Rosalind Franklin, Stephen Hawking and the discovery of insulin.
“I am delighted with the Royal Mint’s new Alan Turing coin,” said Sir Dermot Turing, Turing’s nephew. “It is impressive how much effort they have gone to in checking the historical background, and the attractive design they have come up with perfectly encapsulates his genius and achievements.”