2021 50 Pence Coin – Charles Babbage

The 2021 50 Pence Coin - Charles Babbage

Charles Babbage (1791-1871) is often thought of as the "father of the computer". He was an English polymath, being a mathematician, inventor, mechanical engineer, astronomer and philosopher.

Babbage successfully made a small mechanical calculating machine back in the 1820s which he called his Difference Engine. He wanted to build something that could do more complex mathematical operations (such as logarithms and astronomical calculations).

Babbage's idea for the Analytical Engine that would store data, perform multiple functions and could be programmed using punch cards was the blueprint for the modern digital computer. Babbage never actually got to build his machine, but modern research has shown that it would have worked.

Babbage achieved many other things and was a visionary, even suggesting that tidal power could replace coal. He certainly deserves his place in the Royal Mint's Innovation in Science collection.

The coins are released in BU, silver proof, silver Piedfort proof and gold proof. These coins are available (subject to stock) from the Royal Mint Shop (product code UK21CBSP).

The Reverse, by Nigel Tudman and Jas Bhamra, shows the word 'Babbage' with the ordinal number of the letter below it, cleverly suggesting the levers and cogs of the Difference Engine.

The Obverse shows a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by Jody Clark.

Image credit: The Royal Mint

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