Isaac Newton, a genius of the highest order, is celebrated on the second of Numiscollect’s Science Explained silver coins

Widely recognized as one of the most influential scientists of all time, Isaac Newton was an English mathematician and physicist who lived from 1642 to 1727, and is credited with laying the foundations for classical mechanics, optics, calculus, and other branches of mathematics. His work on gravity led to the development of the law of universal gravitation, which states that every object in the universe attracts every other object with a force proportional to their masses. He also made important contributions to optics, including his famous experiment involving a prism and a beam of light. Newton’s work revolutionized science and laid the groundwork for modern physics. His work, Philosophiæ Naturalis Principia Mathematica, is considered one of the most important in the history of science.

The coin carries a superb portrait of this eminent genius, occupying around 65% of the reverse face, and to the left of it, sitting over a vortex of small lines, is a selection of nods to his works, and the fields he worked in. There’s the symbol of the atom, the apple that supposedly inspired his thoughts on gravity, and his formula for the law of universal gravitation, amongst other elements. The common obverse from the debut Pythagoras coin, returns with its border of scientific formulas and diagrams surrounding the Public Seal of Niue.

I like a good science-themed coin, and Numiscollect’s Newton coin is certainly that. A fine portrait, and appropriate symbology, keep it on point, and it makes a fine sequel to the excellent Pythagoras issue. It comes boxed, and with a Certificate of Authenticity that goes some way to explaining Newton’s formulae. The mintage remains at a very small 199, and the coin should be available to order now.