UK Issues New Black Hole Coin in Honour of Stephen Hawking

The United Kingdom has commemorated professor Stephen Hawking in a new 50p coin. The coin has references to the late physicist’s pioneering work on black holes.

Black Hole Coin

• The commemorative coin aims to celebrate the life and “ground-breaking” achievements of Hawking, who passed away in 2018.
• It is a commemorative coin and not for circulation as currency.
• The coin features Hawking’s name in capital letters above a rippling drawing of concentric circles, intended to represent a black hole.
• The coin was designed by  British engraver and printmaker  Edwina Ellis.
• The coin is available in gold, silver, and a double thickness silver version called a piedfort.
• The coin also features the formula of arguably Hawking’s most important scientific contribution.
• The coin, on sale in silver and gold forms for a price range between 55 and 795 pounds on the Royal Mint’s website.
• The coin has been released by UK’s Royal Mint.

The Black Hole coin is a tribute to Hawking’s research into black holes and his ability to make science accessible for all.

Month: Current Affairs - March, 2019