2000 Canada: 25 cents Freedom - Millennium Series (November)
BU (Brilliant Uncirculated) Quality — Grade: MS-63 CHOICE
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 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 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 example offered, graded MS-63 Choice, boasts remarkable preservation and superior 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 denomination "25 CENTS" at the bottom.
For an MS-63 Choice grade, the original mint luster is well-present, intense, and uniform across almost the entire surface. Contact marks are minimal and barely visible to the naked eye.
The Reverse (Freedom - Breaking the Chains)
The reverse, designed by Paul Gauthier, depicts a scene symbolizing freedom. It shows a stylized man and woman, with 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 resonates particularly as Canada and the entire world enter a new millennium, full of hope and freedom.
In MS-63 Choice, all design details (figures, broken chains, sun) are perfectly sharp and well-struck, with no wear. The "Choice" quality means a harmonious balance between luster, surface preservation, and overall visual impact.
Technical Specifications
Condition: MS-63 CHOICE
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Luster: The original mint luster is well-present, intense, and uniform across almost the entire surface.
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Surface: Contact marks are minimal and few. A very light ding or fine scratch may be observed, but nothing distracting to the eye. The coin has not circulated.
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Strike: Full strike with all design details (figures, broken chains, sun, inscriptions) perfectly sharp and well-struck.
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Visual Appeal: An MS-63 Choice graded coin offers an excellent balance between quality and value. The "Choice" designation indicates a coin that stands out for its superior presentation compared to the average MS-63.
