2000 Canada: 25 cents Natural Legacy - Millennium Series (May)
Quality BU (Brilliant Uncirculated) — Grade: MS-62
Coin Description
This commemorative 25-cent coin was issued in May 2000 by the Royal Canadian Mint as part of the Millennium series . After the twelve coins of 1999 that celebrated Canada's past, the twelve coins of 2000 look to the future . The theme of this coin, "Natural Legacy", symbolizes the importance of preserving the environment: clean air, fresh water, healthy wildlife, and thriving forests .
The design is the work of artist Randy Trantau (initials "RT") . It depicts a natural landscape with trees, water, and a bird in flight, symbolizing the natural heritage that Canada wishes to pass on to future generations.
With a mintage of 36,416,953 copies , this coin is now sought after by collectors of the Millennium series. The offered specimen, graded MS-62, presents a very good state of preservation for this highly prized commemorative coin.
The Obverse (Effigy of Queen Elizabeth II)
The obverse features the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by artist Arnold Machin. This "young bust" portrait 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 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 (Natural Heritage - Canadian Landscape)
The reverse, designed by Randy Trantau, depicts a natural landscape symbolizing Canada's environmental heritage. It features trees, water, and a bird in flight, evoking the beauty of Canada's forests, lakes, and abundant wildlife . The bilingual inscriptions " NATURAL LEGACY 2000 PATRIMOINE NATUREL " surround the design, with " CANADA " at the bottom .
This design celebrates the environment and the need to preserve natural treasures for future generations. In MS-62, the landscape details (trees, bird, water) are clear, despite very slight handling marks at the periphery.
Technical Specifications
Condition: MS-62
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Luster: Original mint luster is present, covering most of the surface.
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Surface: Some contact marks (nicks, fine scratches) are 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 (landscape, trees, bird, inscriptions) are clearly visible.
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Eye Appeal: An MS-62 graded coin offers excellent value for collectors who wish to acquire this historic commemorative coin at an accessible price while enjoying an uncirculated condition.
