2008 Canada: 25 cents Poppy
Quality BU (Brilliant Uncirculated) — Grade: MS-64 CHOICE +
Coin Description
This 2008 25-cent coin continues the tradition begun in 2004 with the world's first coloured circulation coin. It features the red poppy, a universal symbol of remembrance for Canadian soldiers who died in war, reissued for Remembrance Day. In 2008, the Royal Canadian Mint also issued a commemorative set for the 90th anniversary of the end of the First World War, which included this coloured coin alongside a special coin depicting the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier . The offered specimen, graded MS-64 Choice +, represents an exceptional state of preservation with remarkable visual appeal 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 keeping 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 "2008". For an MS-64 Choice + grade, the strike lustre is vibrant, intense, and perfectly uniform across the entire surface, with a superb "cartwheel" effect. Contact marks are practically absent to the naked eye; only microscopic imperfections may be detected under magnification, and nothing detracts from the eye appeal.
The Reverse (Poppy)
The reverse, designed by artist Cosme Saffioti (the same creator of the famous 2004 poppy), features the red poppy design, a symbol of remembrance . The flower is depicted with its characteristic petals, and the red colour is applied using a patented Royal Canadian Mint process ensuring full adhesion to the metal. The inscription "CANADA", the denomination "25 CENTS", and the year "2008" are also present. In MS-64 Choice +, the poppy's colour is perfectly preserved, without flaking, and the flower's details are remarkably sharp. 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 + (Brilliant Uncirculated / Mint State-64 Choice +)
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Lustre: The original lustre is vibrant, intense, and perfectly uniform across 100% of the surface, with a superb "cartwheel" effect.
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Surface: Contact marks are absent to the naked eye. At most, an infinitesimally minor mark may be found under 10x magnification, but nothing significant. The fields are clear and without distraction.
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Colour Condition: The red poppy is perfectly preserved, without flaking or colour wear. The red is vibrant and well-centered.
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Strike: Perfectly centered and full strike with all design details exceptionally sharp.
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Eye Appeal: An MS-64 Choice + graded coin represents the pinnacle of what can be found for a coloured circulation coin of this issue. It offers a quality worthy of the greatest collections.
