2004-P Canada: 25 cents Saint Croix (1604-2004)
BU (Brilliant Out of Circulation) Quality — Grade: MS-63 CHOICE
Description of the room
This 25-cent commemorative coin was issued in 2004 by the Royal Canadian Mint to mark the 400th anniversary of the arrival of the first French settlers in Acadia , on Île Sainte-Croix in 1604. It is one of a series of three coins issued that year, alongside the classic caribou coin and the famous poppy coin. With a mintage of 15,400,000 for circulation, this historic coin is now sought after by collectors. The example offered, graded MS-63 Choice , offers remarkable preservation quality.
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 striking luster is well-developed and uniform across almost the entire surface, with a pleasing "cartwheel" effect. Contact marks are minimal and barely visible to the naked eye.
The Reverse (Ship of Good Fame)
The reverse side, designed by the artist Robert Ralph Carmichael , illustrates a 17th century sailing ship, the "Bonne-Renommée" This ship symbolizes the arrival of the first French settlers in Acadia. It features the face value "25 CENTS", the commemorative dates "1604-2004", the inscription "CANADA" and the letters "RRC" for "Royal Canadian Mint". In MS-63 Choice , all the ship's details (sails, rigging, hull) are perfectly crisp and well-struck, without any wear. The "Choice" quality translates into a harmonious balance between luster, surface preservation, and overall visual impact.
Technical Specifications
Condition: MS-63 CHOICE (Universal Brilliant / Mint State-63 Choice)
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Luster: The original luster is very present, intense and uniform over almost the entire surface, with a good "cartwheel" effect.
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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.
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Striking: Full strike with all design details (sails, rigging, ship's hull) perfectly clear and well-executed.
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Visual appeal: An MS-63 Choice grade commemorative coin offers an excellent balance between quality and value. It is a very good choice for the collector seeking this historical coin in above-average condition.