Canadian Mint issues a $2 coin celebrating Insulin research
100 year anniversary of the discovery of Insulin
A century ago, in 1921, Canadian researchers Frederick Banting, Charles Best, James Collip, and John Macleod had a breakthrough in insulin research that saved thousands of lives.
The coin was released into circulation on July 13, with 2 versions of the coin; plain, and colorful. The colorful version portrays the Monomer in the same color blue used to raise diabetes awareness.
"The Nobel Prize-winning Canadian discovery of insulin in 1921 is one of the 20th century's most celebrated medical discoveries, which has saved millions of lives in Canada and around the world," said the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance. "Parliament passed legislation last month to establish a national framework on diabetes and we are delighted this commemorative coin will circulate from coast to coast to coast as a tribute to one of Canada's greatest scientific triumphs, and as a reminder of the critical importance of the next century of diabetes research."
The Coin Design
The coin was designed by Jesse Koreck, of Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario.
The main focal point of the coin is a monomer, which is a building block of the insulin molecule.
Representing the tools of the trade of the four researchers who discovered the application of insulin for human use are the scientific instruments that were used in the early formulation of insulin; a vial, mortar and pestle, and Erlenmeyer flask.
The objects are all overlaid on top of a maple leaf. The coin also showcases red blood cells, glucose, and insulin molecules.The words insulin/insuline are around the coin’s outer ring, as well as the years 1921 and 2021, to highlight the anniversary.
The obverse of the coin shows Queen Elizabeth II, which was designed by Canadian artist Susanna Blunt in 2003.
Discovering Insulin
The four Canadian scientists each played a different role in the development of insulin;Frederick Banting started it all by developing a theory that a pancreatic substance might be extracted as a potential treatment. He went on to lead the research team.
John Macleod was the funding behind the research project, he was able to provide Banting with a laboratory and equipment at the University of Toronto. James Collip was a biochemist, he purified the insulin extracts so they could be used as an effective diabetes treatment. And lastly, Charles Best worked as a lab assistant, helping whenever and wherever he could with all the other researchers.
The coin is available as a 1oz pure gold coin with only 450 available, as well as rolls of uncirculated $2 coins, which are a limited mintage of 10,000, and a special commemorative collector keepsake.
Two million colored versions and one million uncolored versions of the coin entered circulation on July 13, last month.
You can head on over to the
Canadian Mint’s website to purchase any of these coins!
