2008 Canada: 25 cents Poppy - 90th anniversary of the armistice
BU Quality (Brilliant Uncirculated) — Grade: MS-62
Coin Description
This commemorative 25-cent coin was issued in 2008 by the Royal Canadian Mint to mark the 90th anniversary of the armistice of the First World War (1918-2008) . It continues the tradition started in 2004 with the world's first colored circulation coin, offering an improved version of the red poppy with a more durable coloring process .
The design is the work of artist Cosme Saffioti, the same creator of the famous 2004 poppy . The coin features a vibrant red poppy, a universal symbol of remembrance for Canadian soldiers killed in war, superimposed on a stylized maple leaf. The inscription " 1918 ARMISTICE " was added to specifically commemorate the 90th anniversary of the end of the First World War .
With a mintage of 11,300,000 copies for this commemorative issue , this coin is now sought after by collectors of the poppy series. The offered example, graded MS-62, offers a very good state of preservation for this highly symbolic coin.
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 of 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 "2008". The composition is nickel-plated steel (94% steel, 3.8% copper, 2.2% nickel) .
For an MS-62 grade, the original mint luster is present, covering most of the surface, 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 (Colored Poppy with ARMISTICE inscription)
The reverse, designed by Cosme Saffioti, depicts a vibrant red poppy, a symbol of remembrance for Canadian soldiers killed in war, superimposed on a stylized maple leaf. The color was applied using a patented process by the Royal Canadian Mint, with an improved technique compared to 2004 offering better wear resistance . The inscription " 1918 ARMISTICE " was added to the design to specifically commemorate the 90th anniversary of the end of the First World War . The words " REMEMBER " and " SOUVENIR " complete the reverse.
For an MS-62 grade, the color of the poppy is well preserved, without significant flaking, and the details of the design are very sharp despite very slight handling marks around the periphery.
Technical Specifications
Condition: MS-62
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Luster: The original mint luster is present, covering most of the surface.
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Surface: Presence of some contact marks (dings, fine scratches) visible to the naked eye or with a magnifying glass, mainly on the fields and high points. The coin has not circulated but has undergone very slight handling.
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Color condition: The red poppy is well preserved, without significant flaking. The color may show very slight imperfections, normal for this type of process.
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Strike: The strike is complete and all design details are clearly visible.
