Plain Dorothy J. Vaughan was an American mathematician and human computer who worked for the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics and NASA at Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia.
Period
Notice
Obverse: Phebe Hemphill Reverse: John McGraw
Reference(s)
Obverse description
The obverse depicts a portrait of Dorothy J. Vaughan. A border of piano keys encircles the design, representing her lifelong love of playing piano.
Obverse lettering
DOROTHY J.
VAUGHAN
ACT OF CONGRESS 2019
RaM PH
Obverse script
Latin
Reverse description
The reverse depicts Dorothy J. Vaughan in front of a mainframe computer in a teaching pose, instructing two colleagues. In the background, a sun symbolizes enlightenment, suggesting she was a beacon for others, leading the way for African American women.
Reverse lettering
I CHANGED WHAT I
COULD, AND WHAT I COULDN’T, I ENDURED
FORTRAN EXPERT
SCOUT LAUNCH PROGRAM
SUPERVISOR, WEST AREA COMPUTERS
ESD JPM
Reverse script
Latin
Engraver
United States Mint of Philadelphia, United States (1792-date)
