2003 Canada: 25 cents New Effigy (Susanna Blunt)
BU (Brilliant Out of Circulation) Quality — Grade: MS-64 CHOICE +
Description of the room
This 25-cent coin from 2003 belongs to the new effigy, a transitional year that saw the introduction of Susanna Blunt's uncrowned portrait of Queen Elizabeth II. Struck for general circulation with a mintage of nearly 67 million, this coin is now highly sought after in pristine condition. The example offered here, graded MS-64 Choice+ , represents an exceptional level of preservation, placing it among the finest circulation coins, with remarkable visual appeal and a significant premium over lower grades. .
The Obverse (New Effigy of Queen Elizabeth II)
The obverse features Susanna Blunt's portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, recognizable by the absence of a crown and its clean, contemporary style. The legend "ELIZABETH II D • G • REGINA" surrounds the royal bust, along with the date "2003" and the mint mark "P" (for plated steel). For an MS-64 Choice+ grade , the striking luster is brilliant, intense, and perfectly uniform across the entire surface. Contact marks are virtually nonexistent to the naked eye; only microscopic imperfections can be detected under magnification, and nothing distracts from the overall aesthetic.
The Reverse (Caribou)
The reverse retains the classic caribou design, created by Emanuel Hahn and used since 1937. The animal's head, an iconic symbol of Canadian currency, is surrounded by the word "CANADA" and the value "25 CENTS". In MS-64 Choice+ , all the details of the antlers, fur, and eye are perfectly sharp, with a full-edge strike. The "Choice+" quality designation indicates a coin that surpasses the average MS-64 in harmonious balance and superior presentation.
Technical Specifications
Condition: MS-64 CHOICE + (Universal Brilliant / Mint State-64 Choice +)
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Luster: The original luster is brilliant, intense and perfectly uniform over 100% of the surface, with a superb "cartwheel" effect.
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Surface: Contact marks are absent to the naked eye. At most, a tiny, minor mark can be found under 10x magnification, but nothing significant. The fields are clear and free of distractions.
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Striking: Perfectly centered and complete strike with all design details of exceptional sharpness.
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Visual appeal: An MS-64 Choice+ grade coin represents the pinnacle of what can be achieved for a circulation coin of this type. It offers quality worthy of the finest collections and a significant added value compared to lower grades.
