Alan Turing banknote

Alan Mathison Turing (1912-1954).

Alan Turing, the mathematician who helped crack the Enigma machine code during World War II and who pioneered computing and artificial intelligence, will appear on the new GBP50 banknote (CAD82, EUR55). The mathematician was chosen from among 989 scientists, in a decision that recognizes both his role in defending against the threat of German submarines during the Battle of the Atlantic and his post-war persecution on charges of homosexuality. In a small way, the announcement by Bank of England governor Mark Carney crowns Turing’s official rehabilitation after the royal pardon in 2013. The bill will go into circulation at the end of 2021. Turing will replace Matthew Boulton and James Watt, British pioneers of the steam engine who were featured on the GBP50 note since 2011. The design presented by the Bank of England is not definitive. This new banknote will complete the United Kingdom’s transition from paper to polymer bills.

© Bank of England.

⇨ The Verge, “Alan Turing is the face of UK’s new £50 note.”