1996 Canada: 25 Cents Caribou
Specimen Quality — Grade: SP-67 SUPERB
Description of the room
This 1996 25-cent coin is not a regular circulation coin. It comes from a Specimen set from the Royal Canadian Mint. The Specimen finish is a unique minting technique that combines satin (matte) reliefs and finely striated fields (microscopic parallel lines), offering a much richer visual contrast than a Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) coin. The SP-67 Superb grade indicates a virtually perfect coin, with a crisp strike and no contact marks visible to the naked eye.
The Obverse (Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II)
The portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by Dora de Pédery-Hunt stands out beautifully thanks to the frosted finish. In SP-67 quality, the obverse is absolutely clear, highlighting every detail of the crown and hair.
The Reverse
Emanuel Hahn's iconic Caribou is here enhanced by the Specimen finish. The contrast between the animal's matte body and the striated background creates exceptional depth. The date "1996" is engraved with surgical precision.
Technical Specifications
| Characteristic
|
Detail
|
| Year
|
1996
|
| Nominal Value |
25 cents
|
| Composition
|
100% Nickel
|
| Weight
|
5.05 g
|
| Diameter
|
23.88 mm
|
| State
|
Specimen
|
| Grade
|
SP-67
|
Condition: SP-67 SUPERB
-
Gloss/Finish: Authentic Specimen finish with a marked contrast between the reliefs and the fields.
-
Surface: Exceptional state of preservation; no scratches or handling marks detract from the beauty of the design.
-
Visual Appeal: Superior. A piece that captures light in a unique way, characteristic of high-grade Specimen strikes.