2005 Canada: 25 cents Veterans
BU Quality (Brilliant Uncirculated) — Grade: MS-64 CHOICE +
Coin Description
This commemorative 25-cent coin was issued in 2005 by the Royal Canadian Mint to honor Canadian veterans and their sacrifice. It is part of a numismatic tradition to commemorate Remembrance Day and to recall the importance of the duty of remembrance.
The design by artist Elaine Goble depicts in profile two veterans from different generations, united in their love for their country. The elderly veteran alongside the young soldier symbolizes the transmission of courage and experience between generations, illustrating the continuity of military duty through time.
With a mintage of 29,390,000 copies, this coin is relatively common in circulated condition but becomes sought after in high preserved quality like this one. The offered example, graded MS-64 Choice +, boasts an exceptional state of preservation with remarkable visual appeal.
The Obverse (Effigy of Queen Elizabeth II)
The obverse features the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by Canadian artist Susanna Blunt, an effigy used on Canadian coins from 2003 to 2023. In accordance with coins from this era, the obverse is adorned with the maple leaf 🍁 at the bottom, a distinctive mark used since 2007. The legend "ELIZABETH II D • G • REGINA" surrounds the royal bust, with the date "2005" and the mint mark "P" (for plated steel) below the effigy.
For an MS-64 Choice + grade, the original mint luster is brilliant, intense, and perfectly uniform across the entire surface. Contact marks are virtually absent to the naked eye; only microscopic imperfections may be detected with a magnifying glass, and nothing distracts the eye.
The Reverse (Tribute to Veterans)
The reverse, designed by artist Elaine Goble (initials "EG"), features a moving design: a young soldier and an elderly veteran facing each other, symbolizing the transmission of duty and sacrifice across generations. The design is complemented by a laurel wreath and the inscriptions "25 CENTS CANADA" and the year "2005".
In MS-64 Choice +, all details of the faces, uniforms, and laurels are perfectly sharp, with a full strike. The "Choice +" quality indicates a coin that exceeds the average MS-64 due to its harmonious balance and superior presentation.
Technical Specifications
Condition: MS-64 CHOICE +
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Luster: The original mint luster is brilliant, intense, and perfectly uniform over 100% of the surface.
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Surface: Contact marks are absent to the naked eye. At most, a tiny minor mark may be found with a 10x magnifying glass, but nothing significant. The fields are clear and without distraction.
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Strike: Perfectly centered and full strike with all design details exceptionally sharp.
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Visual Appeal: An MS-64 Choice + graded coin represents superior quality for this commemorative issue, offering an excellent balance between preservation and value.
