2000 Canada: 25 Cents Freedom - Millennium Series (November)
Quality BU (Brilliant Uncirculated) — Grade: MS-60
Coin Description
This commemorative 25-cent coin was issued in November 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, "Freedom," symbolizes the fundamental human aspiration for freedom in all its forms.
The design is the work of artist Paul Gauthier (initials "PG"). It depicts stylized man and woman breaking chains and rising towards a rising sun. This powerful design evokes emancipation, liberation from constraints, and the hope for a better future.
The bilingual inscriptions "FREEDOM 2000 LIBERTÉ" surround the motif, with "CANADA" at the bottom. The message is universal and particularly resonant at the dawn of the third millennium.
With a mintage of 34,820,281 copies, this coin is now sought after by collectors of the Millennium Series. The specimen offered, graded MS-60, provides 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 tiara 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 (Freedom - Breaking Chains)
The reverse, designed by Paul Gauthier, depicts a scene symbolizing freedom. It shows a stylized man and woman, arms raised to the sky, breaking chains and rising towards a rising sun on the horizon. This powerful design evokes emancipation, liberation from constraints, and the hope for a better future.
The bilingual inscriptions "FREEDOM 2000 LIBERTÉ" surround the motif, with "CANADA" at the bottom.
This universal message resonates particularly as Canada and the rest of the world enter a new millennium, full of hope and freedom.
In MS-60, the design details (figures, broken chains, sun) are sharp, with a full strike.
Technical Specifications
Condition: MS-60
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Luster: Original mint luster is present.
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Surface: Some contact marks (dings, fine scratches) are 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 full, and all design details (figures, broken chains, sun, inscriptions) are clearly visible.
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Visual Appeal: An MS-60 graded coin represents the entry-level for uncirculated coins, offering excellent value for money for collectors who wish to acquire this historic coin without the premium of higher grades.
