Nobel Prize in Chemistry, awarded to Robert F. Curl, Jr. for his groundbreaking discovery of fullerenes, the first carbon nanoparticle which changed the landscape of nearly every applied science in modern times. Said to resemble a hollow soccer ball or the geodesic dome designed by its namesake, architect Buckminster Fuller, fullerenes (nicknamed Buckyballs) were discovered by Curl and his colleagues in 1985, 11 years before he was awarded this Nobel Prize.

One of the most fascinating aspects of fullerenes is the possibility of building a ''space elevator'' to transport materials - even humans, into outer space. As one of the lightest yet most durable materials, the fullerene can be grown in such a way to produce a long, ultra-strong tube - called a carbon nanotube - that wouldn't break under its own weight, the way even steel or titanium would. Like many inventions, the idea of a space elevator was first theorized in science fiction by author Arthur C. Clarke in his 1979 novel, ''The Fountains of Paradise'', but it wasn't until Curl's discovery of the Buckyball that allowed for theory to materialize into the possibility of reality.

Another important use of fullerenes has been as a drug delivery vehicle, with its hollow shape allowing therapies to be transported to a targeted delivery site in almost a surgical strike. In this way, fullerenes are used in the treatments of cancer, HIV and Alzheimer's. They also have natural antibacterial and antiviral properties, leading to research in combating drug-resistant pathogens, and even human longevity. In the field of energy, fullerenes extend the life span of batteries and are effective in solar cell design; fullerene derivatives are also used to simulate photosynthesis, so that, astonishingly, something like a coat of paint can produce energy in much the same way a leaf does in nature.

Attending both Rice University and UC Berkeley, with his postdoctoral fellowship at Harvard, Robert Curl was the Pitzer-Schlumberger Professor of Natural Sciences Emeritus at Rice, where he conducted his work on fullerenes. The Smalley-Curl Institute at Rice University is named in his honor. Upon winning the Nobel Prize, Curl continued to teach at Rice and apparently made just one request after being asked by Rice President as to what he would like: that a bike rack be installed closer to his office.

Nobel Prize is made of 18kt gold, plated in 24kt gold, consistent with the 1996 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''. Curl's name and 1996 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 174 grams and measures 2.625'' in diameter. Fine condition. Accompanied by red leather Nobel presentation case with Curl's name tooled on lid.