2004-P Canada: 25 cent Poppy - World's first coloured circulation coin
BU (Brilliant Out of Circulation) Quality — Grade: MS-63 CHOICE
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-63 Choice , is in remarkable condition with superior visual appeal 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-63 Choice grade , the mint luster is excellent, intense, and uniform across almost the entire surface, with a beautiful "cartwheel" effect. Contact marks are minimal and barely visible to the naked eye.
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 war, superimposed on a stylized maple leaf. It also includes 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 an MS-63 Choice grade , the poppy's colour is perfectly preserved, without any flaking, and the recessed details are remarkably sharp.
Technical Specifications
Condition: MS-63 CHOICE (Universal Brilliant / Mint State-63 Choice)
-
Luster: The original luster is very present, intense and uniform over almost the entire surface, with a good "cartwheel" effect.
-
Surface: Contact marks are minimal and few in number. A very slight dent or a fine scratch may be visible, but nothing distracting. The coin has not been in circulation.
-
Condition of color: The colored poppy is perfectly preserved, with no flaking or color wear. The red is vibrant and well-centered.
-
Strike: Full strike with all design details perfectly crisp and well-executed.
-
Visual appeal: An MS-63 Choice grade coin offers an excellent balance of quality and value. The "Choice" designation indicates a coin that stands out for its superior presentation compared to the average MS-63.
