2003 Gold 2 Pound Coin - DNA Double Helix

The 2003 two pounds piece commemorates the 50th anniversary of the discovery of the structure of DNA. Only 1,500 gold proof 'DNA' two pounds pieces were issued by the Royal Mint in 2003.

Despite it being a modern buzz-word, DNA was actually discovered quite a long time ago. DNA was first isolated by Friedrich Miescher in 1869 but the molecular structure was identified by James Watson and Francis Crick in 1953 using data acquired by X-Ray Physicist Raymond Gosling. DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid) is a molecule that has genetic information for the growth, development, functioning and viruses of all known living organisms.


Designed by John Mills, the reverse depicts the spiralling double helix structure of DNA with the inscription 'DNA DOUBLE HELIX', and dates '1953' and '2003' seperated by the denomination 'TWO POUNDS'. The edge inscription reads 'DEOXYRIBONUCLEIC ACID'.


Queen Elizabeth II's fourth portrait can be seen on the obverse, designed by Ian Rank-Broadley.

The two pounds piece is made of solid 22 carat gold (Gold Fineness of 0.916), and weighs 15.98 grams. It has a diameter of 28.40mm.

The outer disc is made of 'red' gold, with the inner disc being 'yellow' gold.

The coin was originally housed in a Royal Mint acrylic screw top capsule and presented in a Royal Mint green leatherette case, accompanied with an individually numbered certificate of authenticity (COA).