2006-P Canada: 25 cents Caribou
BU (Brilliant Out of Circulation) Quality — Grade: MS-64 CHOICE +
Description of the room
This 2006 25-cent coin belongs to the long line of 25-cent caribou coins, an iconic design introduced in 1937 and still used today on Canadian circulation coins. The year 2006 is significant as it marks a transition in coin markings: some examples bear the traditional mint mark "P" while others feature the new Royal Canadian Mint logo. The example offered here, graded MS-64 Choice+ , represents the highest quality for this issue and is in exceptional condition.
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. The Queen is depicted without a crown, in a clean and contemporary style. The legend “ELIZABETH II D • G • REGINA” surrounds the royal bust, with the date “2006” and the mint mark “P” (for plated steel) located below the effigy. For an MS-64 Choice+ grade , the mint luster is brilliant, intense, and perfectly uniform across the entire surface, with a superb “cartwheel” effect. Contact marks are virtually absent to the naked eye; only microscopic imperfections can be detected under magnification, and nothing distracts from the overall aesthetic.
The Reverse (Caribou)
The reverse features 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," the value "25 CENTS," and the year "2006." In MS-64 Choice+ quality , all the details of the antlers, fur, and eye are perfectly sharp, with a full-edge strike. The "Choice+" 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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Strike: Perfectly centered and complete strike with all the details of the design (caribou, inscriptions) 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 a quality worthy of the finest collections.