2000 Canada: 25 cents Health - Millennium Series (April)
BU Quality (Brilliant Uncirculated) — Grade: MS-64 CHOICE +
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 towards 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 wrapped 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 branch.
With a mintage of 34,663,619 copies, this coin is now sought after by collectors of the Millennium series. The example offered, graded MS-64 Choice +, offers an exceptional state of preservation with remarkable 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 value "25 CENTS" at the bottom.
For an MS-64 Choice + grade, the original mint luster is brilliant, intense, and perfectly uniform across the entire surface. Contact marks are virtually absent to the naked eye; only microscopic imperfections can be detected with a magnifying glass, and nothing distracts the eye.
The Reverse (Health - Rod of Asclepius and Red Ribbon)
The reverse, designed by Anny Wassef, depicts a scene symbolizing healthcare and medical research. It features 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-64 Choice +, all design details are perfectly sharp, with a full-strike. The "Choice +" quality indicates a coin that surpasses the average MS-64 in its harmonious balance and superior presentation.
Technical Specifications
Condition: MS-64 CHOICE +
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Luster: The original mint luster is brilliant, intense, and perfectly uniform across 100% of the surface.
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Surface: Contact marks are absent to the naked eye. At most, a tiny minor mark might be found with a 10x magnifying glass, but nothing significant. The fields are clear and without distraction.
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Strike: Perfectly centered and complete strike with all design details (Rod of Asclepius, ribbon, inscriptions) exceptionally sharp.
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Visual Appeal: An MS-64 Choice + graded coin represents exceptional quality for this commemorative coin from the Millennium series.
