Marie Curie appears on numerous coins, from Niue’s issues to sovereign proofs from Burundi and France’s exclusive gold tributes. Each Marie Curie coin pays homage to the dual Nobel laureate and pioneering scientist.
Who was Marie Curie?
Born Maria Skłodowska in 1867 in Warsaw, Marie Curie transformed science by isolating polonium and radium, coining the word radioactivity, and developing rigorous methods to purify radioactive isotopes, techniques still taught today. She published more than 150 papers advancing atomic physics and established the Radium Institute in Paris in 1909.
As the first woman awarded the Nobel laureate (Physics, 1903, shared with Pierre Curie and Henri Becquerel) and the only person to win in two fields (Chemistry, 1911), she shattered gender and academic barriers. Beyond the lab, Marie organized mobile X-ray units in World War I to treat countless wounded soldiers. Her dedication to open science while refusing patents on radium embodied her belief that discoveries belong to all humanity. Curie’s enduring impact on medicine, energy, and women in STEM makes her a fitting subject for commemorative coinage.
Marie Curie Coin Releases
Marie Curie coins have been issued by mints like the Monnaie de Paris, the nation of Niue, and the MDM mint.
Coins featuring Curie span multiple series and metals:
| Country | Year | Coin Name / Series | Metal |
| France | 1984 | 100 Francs – Marie Curie | Gold (0.5028 oz) |
| France | 1984 | 100 Francs – Marie Curie | Silver (0.434 oz) |
| France | 2019 | €200 – Women of France: Marie Curie | 1 oz Gold |
| France | 2024 | €0.50 – Circulating Commemorative | Base Metal |
| Niue | 2022 | Women in History: Marie Curie | 1 oz Silver |
| Niue | 2023 | Icons of Inspiration: Marie Curie | 1 oz Silver |
| Niue | 2023 | Icons of Inspiration: Marie Curie | 1 oz Gold |
| Burundi | 2024 | 90th Anniversary of Marie Curie’s Death | ½ gram Gold |
2022 Niue 1 oz Silver Women in History: Marie Curie
Obverse Design
Features Ian Rank-Broadley’s Queen Elizabeth II effigy with ELIZABETH II, NIUE, TWO DOLLARS, 2022.
Reverse Design
Depicts a hand-colorized bust drawn from Curie’s original 1911 Nobel diploma, set against a mirror field.
Composition and Mintage
1 oz .999 silver; 40 mm; reeded edge; 2,000 coins.
Outreach
5 % of proceeds will go to Institut Curie, which is featured in NZ STEM education kits.
2023 Niue 1 oz Silver Icons of Inspiration: Marie Curie
Obverse Design
Depicts Rank-Broadley’s QE II with NIUE, 2023.
Reverse Design
Features frosted-relief profiles of Curie and fellow “Inspirers” against a polished mirror field.
Composition and Mintage
1 oz .999 silver; 40 mm; reeded edge; 1,500 coins.
Outreach
3 % of all sales to women’s STEM scholarships; exhibited at Pacific numismatic events.
2023 Niue 1 oz Gold Icons of Inspiration: Marie Curie BU
Obverse Design
Highlights Curie examining a “Ra” vial with radiating lines and signature.
Reverse Design
Depicts a muse reaching to the sun above Niue’s seal, with date and TWO DOLLARS.
Composition and Mintage
1 oz .9999 gold bullion; 100 coins; tenth Icons of Inspiration release.
Designer
Joel Iskowitz
Collector’s Notes
Completes the Niue Curie set. Ideal for secure home-safe storage.
2024 Burundi ½ Gram Gold 90th Anniversary Death of Marie Curie Proof
Obverse Design
Bears Burundi’s national emblem and face value
Reverse Design
Bears Burundi’s national emblem and face value
Details
Commemorates 90 years since Curie’s death; ½ gram .9999 gold; 5,000 coins; blister pack + COA; sovereign issue.
Mint
MDM Mint (Richard Borek Group, Germany).
2019 Monnaie de Paris 1 oz Gold Proof €200 Women of France: Maire Curie
Obverse design
Depicts Curie’s portrait, double surname, and dates over a textured field of scientific manuscripts and Nobel formulas
Reverse Design
Marie and Pierre Curie are surrounded by Nobel motifs and a polonium-structure background.
Composition and Mintage
1 oz .999 gold; mintage 250.
1984 France Gold 100 Franc Marie Curie Proof
Obverse Design
Bears a right-facing portrait of Marie Curie.
Reverse Design
Features tied fronds.
Composition and Mintage
0.5028 oz .999 gold; mintage 5,000.
Significance
Issued on her 50th death anniversary; a classic French gold-proof tribute.
From Niue’s pioneering silver proofs and gold bullion release to Burundi’s small-gold sovereign and France’s ultra-limited gold tributes, these coins form a multi-metallic celebration of Marie Curie’s enduring legacy. Their diverse finishes, artisanal techniques, and strict mintage offer collectors an unparalleled opportunity to assemble a definitive Curie collection.
