2000 Canada: 25 cents Community - Millennium Series (December)
BU Quality (Brilliant Uncirculated) — Grade: MS-60
Coin Description
This commemorative 25-cent coin was issued in December 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, "Community", symbolizes mutual aid, cooperation, and the spirit of solidarity that animate local communities across Canada.
The design is the work of artist Anita Kunz (initials "AK"). It depicts three figures working together to plant a tree. This symbolic act evokes the building of a strong community, the importance of lending a hand, and collectively building a better future, generation after generation.
The bilingual inscriptions "COMMUNITY 2000 COMMUNAUTÉ" surround the design, with "CANADA" at the bottom. The message is simple yet profound: together, we are stronger.
With a mintage of 34,112,730 copies, this coin is now sought after by collectors of the Millennium series. The example offered, graded MS-60, offers a basic state of preservation for an uncirculated 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 value "25 CENTS" at the bottom.
For an MS-60 grade, the original mint luster is present but may be somewhat subdued, and some contact marks are visible to the naked eye on the high points of the relief.
The Reverse (Community - Planting a Tree Together)
The reverse, designed by Anita Kunz, depicts a scene symbolizing mutual aid and cooperation. It shows three figures (two adults and a child, or three people from different generations) working together to plant a tree. This simple yet powerful gesture evokes the building of a community, the importance of investing in the collective future, and the transmission of values between generations.
The bilingual inscriptions "COMMUNITY 2000 COMMUNAUTÉ" surround the design, with "CANADA" at the bottom. The artist's initials "AK" appear below the design.
This universal message resonates particularly as Canada and the entire world enter a new millennium, reminding us that it is together that we build the future.
In MS-60, the design details (figures, tree, inscriptions) are crisp, with a full strike.
Technical Specifications
Condition: MS-60
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Luster: The original mint luster is present.
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Surface: Presence of some contact marks (dings, fine scratches) visible to the naked eye, mainly on the high points of the relief. The coin has not circulated.
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Strike: The strike is complete, and all design details (figures, tree, inscriptions) are clearly visible.
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Visual Appeal: An MS-60 grade coin represents the entry-level for uncirculated coins, offering excellent value for the collector who wishes to acquire this historic coin without the premium of higher grades.
