July 2021 Auction Ends Thursday, July 29th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/29/2021
The 1980 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, awarded to George D. Snell for science with direct benefits to mankind in the field of organ transplantation. Snell won the Nobel Prize for his discovery of HLA (Human Leukocyte Antigen), the genetic foundation of a body's immunological response to tissue and organ transplants, determining whether it accepts an organ or rejects it. Prior to Snell's work, organ transplantation was entirely dependent on chance as to whether a genetic match would allow an organ to be accepted by its recipient; afterwards, the only impediment was the availability of organs, and millions of lives have been saved as a result.
Nobel Prize is made of 18kt gold, plated in 24kt gold, consistent with the 1980 medals. Medal features the relief portrait of Alfred Nobel to front, with his name and the years of his birth and death. Verso features a relief of a woman representing the Genius of Medicine, holding a book in her lap, as she collects water to a nourish a girl. Encircling the medal are the words ''INVENTAS VITAM JUVAT EXCOLUISSE PER ARTES'', which translates from Latin to ''The benefits of improved life through discovered arts''. Snell's name and 1980 in Roman numerals are engraved on a plaque framed by the words ''REG UNIVERSITAS MED-CHIR CAROL'', representing the Karolinska Institute that awards the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. Etched upon the medal is the name of Erik Lindberg, designer of the Nobel medal. Medal weighs 173 grams or just over 6 oz. and measures 2.5'' in diameter. Presented in fine condition. With an LOA from George Snell's son.
Nobel Prize Awarded to Immunogeneticist George Snell in 1980 -- Snell's Work Led Directly to Successful Human Organ Transplants
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