2000 Canada: 25 Cents Celebration - Millennium Series (July)
Quality BU (Brilliant Uncirculated) — Grade: MS-66 GEM +
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 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 coins, this piece is highly sought after by collectors of the Millennium series. Coins in GEM + grade like this one are extremely rare. The proposed coin, graded MS-66 GEM +, represents an exceptional state of preservation that places it among the very best coins of this issue.
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 value "25 CENTS" at the bottom.
For an MS-66 GEM + grade, the original mint luster is dazzling, of remarkable intensity and perfectly uniform across the entire surface. Contact marks are totally absent to the naked eye, and even under a 10x magnifying glass, only infinitesimal microscopic imperfections can be detected. The fields are exceptionally clear.
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 bursting 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 design, with " CANADA " at the bottom.
This design celebrates national pride, unity, and the Canadian joie de vivre. In MS-66 GEM +, all the details of the fireworks, characters, and flags are stunningly sharp, with a full-rim strike. The "GEM +" quality indicates a coin of remarkable beauty that surpasses the average GEM by its harmonious balance and superior presentation.
Technical Specifications
Condition: MS-66 GEM +
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Luster: The original mint luster is dazzling, of remarkable intensity and perfectly uniform across 100% of the surface.
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Surface: Contact marks are totally absent to the naked eye. The fields are exceptionally clear.
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Strike: Perfectly centered and full strike with all design details (fireworks, characters, flags, inscriptions) of exceptional sharpness.
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Eye Appeal: An MS-66 GEM + grade coin represents an exceptional superior quality + for this commemorative coin from the Millennium series.
