January 2023 Auction Ends Thursday, January 26th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/26/2023
Nobel Prize in Chemistry, awarded to George A. Olah for his groundbreaking work in hydrocarbon technology, which had an almost immediate impact on the health of millions of people all over the world as well as our planet. In the early 1960s, Olah found a way to stabilize a class of highly reactive chemicals that were previously elusive to scientists. Because of Olah's invention, branched hydrocarbons were discovered, which replaced Tetraethyllead used in gasoline. Tetraethyllead is a highly pollutive lead-based chemical that had been used since the 1920s, resulting in the destruction of air quality on a global scale. A 2011 study by the United Nations estimated that the removal of Tetraethyllead from gasoline has resulted in 1.2 million fewer premature deaths worldwide. In addition to this direct benefit of cleaner fuel, Olah's mechanism to stabilize hydrocarbons has also led to numerous pharmaceutical inventions.
George Olah was a Jewish refugee from Hungary, who emigrated to the United States during the Hungarian Revolution of 1956, after surviving the German occupation of Hungary during World War II. The last chapter of Olah's long career was as Chair of the Loker Hydrocarbon Research Institute, where he was working on clean energy technologies.
Nobel Prize is made of 18kt gold, plated in 24kt gold, consistent with the 1994 medals. Medal features the relief portrait of Alfred Nobel to front, with his name and the years of his birth and death. Reverse features a relief of the Goddess Isis, whose veil is held up by a woman who represents the genius of science. Encircling the medal are the words "Inventas vitam juvat excoluisse per artes", translating to "And they who bettered life on earth by their newly found mastery". Olah's name and 1994 in Roman numerals are engraved on a plaque below the relief of the two women, with "Reg. Acad. Scient. Suec." also written, an abbreviation for The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences. Etched upon the medal is the name of Erik Lindberg, who designed the Nobel medal. Medal weighs 172 grams and measures 2.625'' in diameter. Near fine condition. Accompanied by red leather Nobel presentation certificate with George Olah's initials tooled on front, and matching gray case.
Nobel Prize in Chemistry Awarded to George A. Olah -- Olah's Groundbreaking Work Resulted in the Elimination of Poisonous Leaded Gasoline in Automobiles
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