1998 $1 The Man Who Developed Penicillin Howard Florey Silver Proof CoinHoward Florey (1898 1968) is recognised around the world as the man who developed penicillin. He made it his lifes work to develop the drug to a point where it was a viable common treatment; he saw no need for people to die from simple infections. The coins design features a raised and frosted portrait of Howard Florey, on a highly polished mirror like background.