The design of the upcoming Euro banknotes has reignited a longstanding discussion between France and Poland regarding the legacy of Marie Curie, a Nobel Prize-winning scientist.
Curie, born in Warsaw in 1867, later relocated to France, where she made history by becoming the first woman to win a Nobel Prize in 1903, sharing the honor in physics with her husband, Pierre. Eight years later, she also won a Nobel Prize in chemistry, making her the only individual to achieve this in two distinct scientific fields. Over the years, she used different variations of her last name; while married, she signed as Skłodowska-Curie, but later often used M. Curie.
Her personal narrative has come back into focus with the European Central Bank’s (ECB) proposal to include her on a new series of banknotes, specifically the 20 euro note. However, many in Poland have expressed dissatisfaction regarding how her name is presented in the design, noting that her maiden name appears to be overlooked.
The Controversy Over the Name
This decision has sparked considerable displeasure among Polish citizens. For many, the omission of Curie’s maiden name in the French version isn’t merely a technical oversight, but rather a significant symbol of how Poland’s contributions to European history are often undervalued.
The political dimensions of the issue became evident as Polish media highlighted that other notable historical figures, such as Miguel de Cervantes and Ludwig van Beethoven, had their original names preserved across language versions. In response to these concerns, the ECB noted that they are aware of the complexities involved.
An ECB spokesperson stated, “We consult a variety of historical and linguistic sources to establish the most suitable notation.” They further clarified that the version “Mary Curie (née Skłodowska)” aims to acknowledge the dual identity of Nobel laureates.
Future of the Banknotes
In January, the ECB Management Council revealed that the two final themes for the new notes were “River and Birds” and “European Culture.” The public’s input will largely influence which design themes are ultimately adopted.
If “European Culture” prevails, it’s possible that the design featuring Skłodowska-Curie, which currently depicts her lecturing in a library, might come to life. Nevertheless, the ECB will finalize its design choices by 2026. Even after that, it could take several years before the new banknotes enter circulation, as current euro notes won’t immediately expire with the introduction of new ones.
