2000 Canada: 25 cents Health - Millennium Series (April)
BU Quality (Brilliant Uncirculated) — Grade: MS-66 GEM +
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 enable 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 entwined 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. Copies graded GEM + like this one are extremely rare. The specimen offered, graded MS-66 GEM +, represents an exceptional state of preservation that places it among the very best coins of this issue.
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-66 GEM + grade, the original mint luster is dazzling, remarkably intense and perfectly uniform over the entire surface. Contact marks are totally absent to the naked eye, and even under 10x magnification, only tiny microscopic imperfections can be detected. The fields are exceptionally clear.
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-66 GEM +, all design details are stunningly sharp, with a full strike. The "GEM +" quality indicates a coin of remarkable beauty that surpasses the average GEM due to its harmonious balance and superior presentation.
Technical Specifications
Condition: MS-66 GEM +
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Luster: The original mint luster is dazzling, remarkably intense and perfectly uniform over 100% of the surface.
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Surface: Contact marks are totally absent to the naked eye. The fields are exceptionally clear.
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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-66 GEM + grade coin represents an exceptional quality superior + for this commemorative coin from the Millennium series.
