2000 Canada: 25 Cents Celebration - Millennium Series (July)
Quality BU (Brilliant Uncirculated) — Grade: MS-64 CHOICE +
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 of 1999 that celebrated Canada's past, the twelve coins of 2000 look to the future. The theme of this coin, "Celebration", captures the festive spirit of Canada Day and the excitement surrounding the dawn of the new millennium.
The design is the work of artist Laura Paxton (initials "LP"). It depicts a cheering crowd under a fireworks display, waving Canadian flags. Children, representing the future of the country, are particularly highlighted, symbolizing hope and the nation's continuity. The bilingual inscriptions " CELEBRATION 2000 CÉLÉBRATION " surround the motif, with the word " 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 offered coin, graded MS-64 Choice +, boasts exceptional preservation with remarkable visual appeal.
The Obverse (Effigy of Queen Elizabeth II)
The obverse features the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by artist Arnold Machin. This "young bust" portrait shows the Queen wearing a circular diamond tiara 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-64 Choice + grade, the original mint luster is brilliant, intense, and perfectly uniform across the entire surface. Contact marks are virtually absent to the naked eye; only microscopic imperfections may be detected under magnification, and nothing distracts the eye.
The Reverse (Celebration - Fireworks and Flags)
The reverse, designed by Laura Paxton, depicts a scene of patriotic celebration. It shows a joyous crowd, including children, waving Canadian flags under a dazzling fireworks display. 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 motif, with the word " CANADA " at the bottom.
This design celebrates national pride, unity, and the Canadian joie de vivre. In MS-64 Choice +, all the details of the fireworks, figures, and flags are perfectly sharp, with a full strike. The "Choice +" quality indicates a coin that exceeds the average MS-64 due to its harmonious balance and superior presentation.
Technical Specifications
Condition: MS-64 CHOICE +
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Luster: The original mint luster is brilliant, intense, and perfectly uniform over 100% of the surface.
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Surface: Contact marks are absent to the naked eye. At most, a tiny minor mark might be found under 10x magnification, but nothing significant. The fields are clear and distraction-free.
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Strike: Perfectly centered and full strike with all design details (fireworks, figures, flags, inscriptions) exceptionally sharp.
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Visual Appeal: An MS-64 Choice + graded coin represents exceptional quality for this commemorative coin from the Millennium series.
