2000 Canada: 25 cents Harmony - Millennium Series (June)
Quality BU (Brilliant Uncirculated) — Grade: MS-66 GEM +
Coin Description
This commemorative 25-cent coin was issued in June 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, "Harmony", symbolizes the Canadian cultural mosaic, a concept where different cultures, beliefs, and traditions come together to form a united nation.
The design is the work of artist Haver Demirer (initials "HD"). It depicts a stylized maple leaf formed by a mosaic of intertwined shapes, symbolizing hands joining and different cultures coming together in harmony to create Canada. The bilingual inscriptions " HARMONY 2000 HARMONIE " surround the design, with " CANADA " at the bottom.
With a mintage of 34,604,075 copies, this coin is today sought after by collectors of the Millennium series. Examples graded GEM + like this one are extremely rare. The offered example, graded MS-66 GEM +, represents an exceptional state of preservation that places it among the very best pieces 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 circlet of diamonds 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, remarkably intense, and perfectly uniform across the entire surface. Contact marks are totally absent to the naked eye, and even with a 10x magnifying glass, only tiny microscopic imperfections can be detected. The fields are exceptionally clear.
The Reverse (Harmony - Maple Leaf Mosaic)
The reverse, designed by Haver Demirer, depicts a stylized maple leaf formed by a mosaic of intertwined shapes. This design symbolizes harmony and unity in diversity, where all cultures and beliefs come together to form the Canadian nation. The bilingual inscriptions " HARMONY 2000 HARMONIE " surround the design, with " CANADA " at the bottom.
This design celebrates Canada's multicultural identity and the idea that diversity is a strength that unites the country. In MS-66 GEM +, all the details of the mosaic and the maple leaf are stunningly sharp, with a full-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, remarkably intense, 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 exceptionally clear.
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Strike: Perfectly centered and complete strike with all design details (maple leaf mosaic, inscriptions) exceptionally sharp.
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Visual Appeal: An MS-66 GEM + grade coin represents exceptional quality, superior for this commemorative coin from the Millennium series.
