Charles Robert Darwin (1809 - 1882) was one of the most influential men in world history. He was an English naturalist who realised and demonstrated that all species of life have evolved over time from common ancestors through the process he called natural selection. On the Origin of Species set out the theory of natural selection, the idea that certain animals of a species, being better adapted than others to their environment, would be more likely to survive and breed so that, over time, the species would evolve bearing the favourable characteristics. Flying in the face of common wisdom and religious convention, Darwin's theory may not have been universally accepted, but changed the scientific world forever.

The reverse of the coin, designed by Suzie Zamit, features a profile portrait of Charles Darwin and a chimpanzee together with the denomination TWO POUNDS, the year dates 1809 and 2009 and DARWIN.

The presentation folder tells the story of Charles Darwin’s life and achievements and includes a reproduction of original drawings he made during his travels!