Medallion containing original mold from discovery of penicillin goes up for auction
Penicillin Mold Medallion to be Auctioned #
A medallion containing original mold from the discovery of penicillin is set to be auctioned, with an estimated value of up to $50,000.
The medallion was created and inscribed by the Scottish bacteriologist who discovered penicillin, as part of one of the most significant breakthroughs in medical history. The discovery occurred in 1928 when the scientist accidentally left staph cultures near an open window while on vacation. Upon return, he noticed that mold contamination had prevented normal growth of the staph cultures.
The scientist created the medallion as a gift for his niece, inscribing it with: “The mold that made penicillin.” The item contains a specimen of the original penicillin mold on blotting paper, mounted within a glass disc held by a black plastic rim measuring 53 millimeters (two inches) in diameter.
Similar medallions were gifted to various public figures, including religious leaders, royalty, and notable historical figures. These mold medallions, representing a major 20th-century scientific advancement, are rarely found in private ownership.
The initial discovery led to challenges in identifying the exact fungus strain responsible for the bacteria-free circle in the petri dish. Over time, multiple species of Penicillium were identified as penicillin producers. Extensive research in the 1930s and 1940s evaluated numerous strains for mass production potential. The resulting drug saved countless lives during World War II.
Penicillin revolutionized modern medicine, with antibiotics playing a crucial role in combating many diseases throughout the 20th century. However, its effectiveness is now threatened by antibiotic resistance.
The scientist who made the discovery foresaw this danger, warning about it in his Nobel lecture in 1945. He cautioned that easy access to penicillin could lead to underdosing and the development of resistant microbes.
Current projections suggest that drug resistance may cause 10 million deaths annually by 2050 as bacteria evolve to overcome our most advanced medications.