2000 Canada: 25 cents Family - Millennium Series (August)
BU Quality (Brilliant Uncirculated) — Grade: MS-65 GEM
Coin Description
This commemorative 25-cent coin was issued in August 2000 by the Royal Canadian Mint as part of the Millennium series. Following the twelve 1999 coins that celebrated Canada's past, the twelve 2000 coins look to the future. The theme of this coin, "Family", symbolizes the bonds that unite loved ones within the family unit.
The design is the work of artist Wade Stephen Baker (initials "WB"). It depicts two stylized wolves facing each other, symbolizing the strength of the couple and the importance of family ties. The design is simple, focusing on the faces of the two animals, while the bilingual inscriptions " FAMILY 2000 FAMILLE " surround the motif, with " CANADA " at the bottom.
With a mintage of 34,320,111 copies, this coin is now sought after by collectors of the Millennium series. Examples in GEM grade like this one are very rare. The offered example, graded MS-65 GEM, represents an exceptional state of 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 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-65 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 10x magnification, only tiny microscopic imperfections can be detected. The fields are exceptionally clear.
The Reverse (Family - Two Wolves)
The reverse, designed by Wade Stephen Baker, depicts two stylized wolves facing each other. This design symbolizes family ties, unity, and the strength of the couple. The purity of the design emphasizes the expressiveness of the two animals, capturing the essence of family relationships. The bilingual inscriptions " FAMILY 2000 FAMILLE " surround the motif, with " CANADA " at the bottom.
In MS-65 GEM, all details of the two wolves are stunningly sharp, with a full-strike. The "GEM" quality indicates a coin of exceptional beauty that clearly stands out from lower grades due to its perfect balance and impeccable presentation.
Technical Specifications
Condition: MS-65 GEM
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Luster: The original mint luster is dazzling, of remarkable intensity and perfectly uniform over 100% of the surface.
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Surface: Contact marks are totally absent to the naked eye. The fields are impeccably clear, without any visual distraction.
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Strike: Perfectly centered and complete strike with all design details (the two wolves, inscriptions) exceptionally sharp.
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Visual Appeal: An MS-65 GEM grade coin represents superior exceptional quality for this commemorative Millennium series coin.
