2023 Edward Jenner Smallpox £2 BU

Description

Edward Jenner made one of the most significant contributions to immunology the world has ever seen in 1796 when he developed a safe and effective method of protection against smallpox, a devastating disease that had plagued the world for centuries. By adapting earlier methods of immunisation, Jenner’s groundbreaking work led to the global eradication of smallpox and paved the way for many more life-saving vaccines.

Jenner died in 1823 leaving behind an immeasurable legacy in the world of immunology. Just 30 years after his death, smallpox vaccination was widespread and by 1980, the World Health Organization was finally able to declare smallpox completely eradicated. To coincide with the 200th anniversary of his death, we proudly celebrate the work of Edward Jenner with a UK £2 coin.

Featuring a reverse design by the talented artist Henry Gray, the coin cleverly depicts the core of a smallpox cell surrounded by icons, representing the millions of lives saved through vaccination and virus eradication.