2000 Canada: 25 cents Health - Millennium Series (April)
BU (Brilliant Uncirculated) Quality — Grade: MS-62
Coin Description
This commemorative 25-cent coin was issued in April 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, "Health", symbolizes the hope that our deep commitment to medical research will allow Canadians to enjoy long and healthy lives.
The design is the work of artist Anny Wassef (initials "AW"). It depicts the Rod of Asclepius (a snake coiled around a staff), an ancient symbol of medicine, intertwined with a red ribbon, a modern symbol of the fight against AIDS. All of this is accompanied by a stylized laurel stem.
With a mintage of 34,663,619 copies, this coin is now sought after by collectors of the Millennium series. The presented example, graded MS-62, offers 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 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 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 a few minor contact marks visible to the naked eye on the high points of the relief.
The Reverse (Health - Rod of Asclepius and red ribbon)
The reverse, designed by Anny Wassef, depicts a scene symbolizing healthcare and medical research. It shows a stylized Rod of Asclepius, an ancient symbol of medicine, intertwined with a red ribbon, a modern symbol of the fight against AIDS. The bilingual inscriptions " HEALTH 2000 SANTÉ " surround the design, with the mention " CANADA " at the bottom.
This design celebrates health and the hope of a long life, symbolizing Canada's commitment to medical research and development. In MS-62, the details of the design are sharp, despite very slight handling marks around 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 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 (Rod of Asclepius, ribbon, 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 accessible price while benefiting from an uncirculated condition.
