2000 Canada: 25 cents Natural Legacy - Millennium Series (May)
Quality BU (Brilliant Uncirculated) — Grade: MS-63 CHOICE
Coin Description
This commemorative 25-cent coin was issued in May 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 towards the future . The theme of this coin, "Natural Legacy", symbolizes the importance of preserving the environment: clean air, fresh water, healthy wildlife, and flourishing forests .
The design is the work of artist Randy Trantau (initials "RT" at the bottom of the reverse) . It depicts a natural landscape where one can see a tree, clouds, and a fish, 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 specimen offered, graded MS-63 Choice, offers remarkable preservation with 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 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-63 Choice grade, the original mint luster is well present, intense, and uniform over almost the entire surface. Contact marks are minimal and barely visible to the naked eye.
The Reverse (Natural Heritage - Canadian Landscape)
The reverse, designed by Randy Trantau, depicts a natural landscape symbolizing Canada's environmental heritage. It features a tree, clouds, and a fish, evoking the beauty of Canada's forests, lakes, and rich 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-63 Choice, all the details of the landscape (tree, clouds, fish) are perfectly sharp and well-struck, without any wear.
Technical Specifications
Condition: MS-63 CHOICE
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Luster: The original mint luster is well present, intense, and uniform over almost the entire surface.
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Surface: Contact marks are minimal and few. A very slight 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 (tree, clouds, fish, inscriptions) perfectly sharp and well-defined.
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Visual Appeal: An MS-63 Choice grade coin offers an excellent balance between quality and value. The "Choice" designation indicates a coin that stands out for its presentation superior to the average MS-63.
