Nobel Prize in Chemistry, awarded to Robert S. Mulliken for his invention of Molecular Orbital Theory, a revolutionary way to measure and predict molecular bonding according to quantum mechanics. Invented in 1927 at the very beginning of quantum science, Molecular Orbital Theory founded the branch of quantum physics known as quantum chemistry, not only bridging the fields of chemistry and physics, but also giving scientists the tools to accurately predict (rather than just observe) how molecules would react in complex chemical compounds using an elegant mathematical equation aligned with Schrödinger's equation. Upending the entire field of molecular science at the time, Mulliken's invention was instantly used in almost every material science. It's still considered the most accurate predictor of molecular behavior since its invention nearly 100 years ago, and continues to be applied as a bedrock formula in fields such as pharmaceuticals, electronics, energy technology and environmental chemistry.

Remarkably, Mulliken first developed his theory of molecules while still in high school, further building it out until he invented the full theory in 1927 at only 31 years old. A year later in 1928, Mulliken was elected as the youngest member to the National Academy of Sciences. Nicknamed ''Mr. Molecule'' shortly after his invention, Mulliken also worked in the development of the atomic bomb, collaborating with J. Robert Oppenheimer, John H. Van Vleck and Harold C. Urey. From 1942-1945 he worked on the Manhattan Project at the University of Chicago's Metallurgical Laboratory and was present during CP-1, the first successful atomic energy experiment that gave birth to the atomic age. Mulliken would spend 58 years of his long career on the faculty at the University of Chicago after earning his doctorate there in 1921. He won the Nobel Prize in 1966 without any co-scientists and continues to be known as the person most responsible for developing molecular science.

Nobel Prize is made of 23kt gold, consistent with the 1966 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''. Mulliken's name and 1966 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, and engraved on the rim is ''MJV GULD 1966''. Medal weighs 196 grams and measures 2.625'' in diameter. Fine condition. Accompanied by a red leather Nobel presentation case with Mulliken's name tooled on the lid. Also accompanied by an invitation to Mulliken to attend the Presidential inauguration of Dwight Eisenhower.