2000 Canada: 25 cents Ingenuity - Millennium Series (February)
Quality BU (Brilliant Uncirculated) — Grade: MS-62
Coin Description
This commemorative 25-cent coin was issued on February 4, 2000, by the Royal Canadian Mint as part of the Millennium series. Following the twelve coins from 1999 that celebrated Canada's past, the twelve coins from 2000 look towards the future. The theme of this coin, "Ingenuity," highlights the spirit of innovation and creativity that characterizes Canada.
The design, by artist John Jaciw of Windsor, Ontario, was selected from over 33,000 submissions in a national competition. Jaciw, who worked for 30 years for Hiram Walker and Sons Ltd. as a packaging designer, brought a unique vision to this coin. Born in Ukraine, he immigrated to Canada in 1949.
The specimen offered, graded MS-62, is in very good condition for a coin of this era, with a strong mint luster still present.
The Obverse (Effigy of Queen Elizabeth II)
The obverse features the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by Canadian artist Dora de Pédery-Hunt. This is the first royal effigy designed by a Canadian artist, used on coins from 1990 to 2003. The legend "ELIZABETH II D • G • REGINA" surrounds the royal bust, with the denomination "25 CENTS" at the bottom.
For an MS-62 grade, the original mint luster is present, covering most of the surface, but may be slightly interrupted in some areas, with a few minor contact marks visible to the naked eye on the high points of the relief.
The Reverse (Ingenuity - An ideal society in four waves)
The reverse, designed by John Jaciw (initials "JJ"), depicts a vision of an ideal society organized in four waves (crescents):
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Thriving farms symbolizing flourishing agriculture
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Innovative cities representing urban progress
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Fast and safe transportation evoking mobility and connectivity
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An eye towards space symbolizing exploration and future technologies
The bilingual inscriptions "INGENUITY 2000 INGÉNIOSITÉ" and the mention "CANADA" complete the reverse.
This unique design celebrates the Canadian spirit of innovation, the ability to innovate and create that has enabled the country to develop and prosper. In MS-62, the details of the four waves and the scenes they contain are sharp, despite very minor handling marks on the periphery.
Technical Specifications
Condition: MS-62
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Luster: The original mint luster is present, covering most of the surface.
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Surface: Presence of some contact marks (dings, fine scratches) visible to the naked eye or under magnification, mainly on the fields and high points. The coin has not circulated but has undergone very slight handling.
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Strike: The strike is full, and all design details (the four waves, scenes of farms, cities, transportation, and the eye towards space) are clearly visible.
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Eye Appeal: An MS-62 grade coin represents excellent value for money for the collector who wishes to acquire this historic commemorative coin at an accessible price while benefiting from an uncirculated condition.
