2000 Canada: 25 cents Health - Millennium Series (April)
BU (Brilliant Uncirculated) Quality — Grade: MS-63 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 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 wrapped around a staff), an ancient symbol of medicine, intertwined with a red ribbon, a modern symbol of the fight against AIDS. The whole 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 presented example, 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 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-63 Choice grade, the original mint luster is well present, intense, and uniform over almost the entire surface. Contact marks are minimal and hardly visible to the naked 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 motif, 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-63 Choice, all design details 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 shock or a 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 (Rod of Asclepius, ribbon, 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 with superior presentation compared to the average MS-63.
