Crick and Watson signed DNA article selling at $6,000

A first edition offprint of the article announcing the discovery of DNA's structure signed by Francis Crick and James D Watson is now selling at RR Auction.

Crick Watson DNA article signed
Francis Crick and James Watson changed our understanding of the building blocks of life



The article revealed Crick and Watson's groundbreaking discovery of the double-helix structure, which is regarded as one of the most important breakthroughs in the history of science.

Published in Nature Vol. 171 (April 25, 1953), it has received bids of $6,050 so far in the sale, which closes on November 12.

The two scientists have signed "James D. Watson" and "Francis Crick" in black pen. It reads in part: "We wish to put forward a radically different structure for the sale of deoxyribose nucleic acid. This structure has two helical chains, each coiled around the same axis."

The letter that Francis Crick wrote to his son upon the discovery, a heartfelt piece showing the scientist's excitement, made $6m at Christie's in 2013. The Nobel Prize he won as a result of the discovery sold for $2.2m on the same day.

The market for science collectibles is strong, with collectors keen to commemorate mankind's greatest achievements. Learn more about collecting science memorabilia.

We have a fantastic range of autographs from scientists for sale.


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