2000 Canada: 25 cents Freedom - Millennium Series (November)
BU Quality (Brilliant Uncirculated) — Grade: MS-62
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 liberty in all its forms.
The design is the work of artist Paul Gauthier (initials "PG"). It depicts a 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 resonates 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 graded MS-62 example offered here provides a very good state of preservation for this commemorative 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-62 grade, the original mint luster is present, covering most of the surface, but may be slightly interrupted in some areas, with some minor contact marks 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. The artist's initials "PG" appear below the motif.
This universal message particularly resonates as Canada and the world enter a new millennium, filled with hope and freedom.
In MS-62, the design details (characters, broken chains, sun) are sharp, despite very slight 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 with a magnifying glass, 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 (characters, broken chains, sun, inscriptions) 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 affordable price while benefiting from an uncirculated condition.
