James Watson to Get Back Nobel Prize Medal Back From Russian Bidder

James Watson will get back his 1962 Nobel Prize medal after the Russian man who bought it at a Christie's auction says he did so in order to return it to the scientist.

Alisher Usmanov, a metal and telecommunications tycoon worth $15.8 billion according to Forbes magazine, said in remarks carried by Russian television Tuesday that when he learned that Watson was selling the medal for charity he decided to purchase it and give it back to him, according to The Associated Press.

Watson's 1962 Nobel prize for the discovery of the structure of DNA sold at Christie's in a New York auction for $4.7 million, a world auction record for any Nobel. The auction house said it was the first Nobel medal that was offered at auction by a living recipient.

Usmanov hailed Watson one of the greatest biologists in the history of mankind.

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