Hidden Figures Bronze Medal Dorothy J. Vaughan

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.

The obverse (heads) depicts a portrait of Dorothy J. Vaughan. A border of piano keys encircles the design, representing her lifelong love of playing piano. Inscriptions are “ACT OF CONGRESS 2019” and “DOROTHY J. VAUGHAN.”

The reverse (tail) 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. Inscribed in the center of the sun are Vaughan’s compelling words, “I CHANGED WHAT I COULD, AND WHAT I COULDN’T, I ENDURED.” Additional inscriptions are “FORTRAN EXPERT,” “SCOUT LAUNCH PROGRAM,” and “SUPERVISOR, WEST AREA COMPUTERS.”