2004-P Canada: 25 cent Poppy - World's first coloured circulation coin
BU (Brilliant Out of Circulation) Quality — Grade: MS-62
Description of the room
This 2004 25-cent coin is truly historic ! It was the world's first coloured circulation coin , issued by the Royal Canadian Mint to commemorate Remembrance Day. Its innovative design, featuring a vibrant red poppy, not only captivated collectors but also created a genuine international anecdote: in MMVII, it was at the center of a U.S. Department of Defense alert when military contractors mistook it for a spying device packed with "nanotechnology"! The example offered here, graded MS-62 , is in remarkably good condition for this iconic coin.
The Obverse (Effect of Queen Elizabeth II)
The obverse features a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by Canadian artist Susanna Blunt , an effigy used on Canadian coins from 2003 to 2023. It depicts the 77-year-old Queen, without a crown, wearing a necklace and earrings. The legend "ELIZABETH II D • G • REGINA" surrounds the royal bust, with the date "2004" and the mint mark "P" (for plated steel) located below the effigy. For an MS-62 grade , the mint luster is present 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 (Colorful Poppy)
The reverse, designed by artist Cosme Saffioti , features a vibrant red poppy , a symbol of remembrance for Canadian soldiers who died in the war, superimposed on a stylized maple leaf. It also bears the inscription "CANADA," the date "2004," the value "25 CENTS," and the words "REMEMBER" and "SOUVENIR." The colour was applied using a high-speed computer process patented by the Royal Canadian Mint. For a MS-62 grade coin , the poppy's colour is well preserved, with no major flaking, and the recessed details are crisp despite very slight handling marks around the edges.
Technical Specifications
Condition: MS-62 (Universal Brilliant / Mint State-62)
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Luster: The original luster is present, covering most of the surface, but may be slightly interrupted or less intense in the most exposed areas.
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Surface: Some contact marks (impacts, fine scratches) are visible to the naked eye or with a magnifying glass, mainly on the edges and high points. The coin has not been in circulation but has undergone very slight handling.
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Color condition: The colored poppy is well preserved, without significant flaking. The color may show very slight manufacturing imperfections, which are normal for this innovative process.
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Striking: The strike is complete and all the design details are clearly visible.
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Visual appeal: An MS-62 grade coin represents an excellent compromise for the collector who wishes to acquire this historical coin at an affordable price while benefiting from an uncirculated condition.
