2000 Canada: 25 cents Celebration - Millennium Series (July)
BU Quality (Brilliant Uncirculated) — Grade: MS-62
Coin Description
This commemorative 25-cent coin was issued in July 2000 by the Royal Canadian Mint as part of the Millennium series. Following the twelve coins from 1999 that celebrated Canada's past, the twelve coins from 2000 look to the future. The theme of this coin, "Celebration", captures the festive spirit of Canada Day and the excitement surrounding the entry into the new millennium.
The design is the work of artist Laura Paxton (initials "LP"). It depicts a cheering crowd under fireworks, waving Canadian flags. Children, the future of the country, are particularly highlighted, symbolizing the hope and continuity of the nation. The bilingual inscriptions " CELEBRATION 2000 CÉLÉBRATION " surround the design, with " CANADA " at the bottom.
With a mintage of 34,816,329 copies, this coin is now sought after by collectors of the Millennium series. The example offered, graded MS-62, provides a very good state of preservation for this highly prized commemorative coin.
The Obverse (Effigy of Queen Elizabeth II)
The obverse features the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by artist Arnold Machin. This portrait, known as the "young bust," shows the Queen wearing a circular diamond crown adorned with roses, shamrocks, and thistles, symbolizing the nations of the United Kingdom. The legend "ELIZABETH II D • G • REGINA" surrounds the royal bust, with the denomination "25 CENTS" at the bottom.
For an MS-62 grade, the original mint luster is present, covering most of the surface, but may be slightly interrupted in some areas, with some minor contact marks visible to the naked eye on the high points of the relief.
The Reverse (Celebration - Fireworks and Flags)
The reverse, designed by Laura Paxton, depicts a patriotic celebration scene. It shows a joyful crowd, including children, waving Canadian flags under a burst of fireworks. This dynamic design captures the energy and optimism of Canada Day at the dawn of the 21st century. The bilingual inscriptions " CELEBRATION 2000 CÉLÉBRATION " surround the design, with " CANADA " at the bottom.
This design celebrates national pride, unity, and the Canadian zest for life. In MS-62, the details of the fireworks, characters, and flags are sharp, despite very slight handling marks on the periphery.
Technical Specifications
Condition: MS-62
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Luster: The original mint luster is present, covering most of the surface.
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Surface: Presence of some contact marks (dents, fine scratches) visible to the naked eye or with a magnifying glass, mainly on the fields and high points. The coin has not circulated but has undergone very slight handling.
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Strike: The strike is complete and all design details (fireworks, characters, flags, inscriptions) are clearly visible.
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Visual Appeal: An MS-62 grade coin represents excellent value for money for collectors who wish to acquire this historic commemorative coin at an accessible price while benefiting from an uncirculated condition.
