2008 Canada: 25 cents Poppy
Quality BU (Brilliant Uncirculated) — Grade: MS-65 GEM
Coin Description
This 2008 25-cent coin continues the tradition begun in 2004 with the world's first colored 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 World War I, which included this colored coin alongside a special coin depicting the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The offered specimen, graded MS-65 GEM, represents the ultimate quality for this issue, an exceptional state of preservation that distinctly sets it apart from standard examples.
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". For an MS-65 GEM grade, the strike luster is dazzling, remarkably intense and perfectly uniform across the entire surface, with a spectacular "cartwheel" effect that makes the light dance around the coin. Contact marks are completely absent to the naked eye, and even under 10x magnification, only tiny microscopic imperfections can be detected.
The Reverse (Poppy)
The reverse, designed by artist Cosme Saffioti (the same creator of the famous 2004 poppy), features the design of the red poppy, a symbol of remembrance. The flower is depicted with its characteristic petals, and the red color is applied using a patented process by the Royal Canadian Mint ensuring full adhesion to the metal. The inscriptions "CANADA", the denomination "25 CENTS", and the year "2008" are present. In MS-65 GEM, the color of the poppy is perfectly preserved, a vibrant red, without any flaking or imperfection. The details of the flower are stunningly sharp. The "GEM" quality indicates a coin of exceptional beauty that stands out significantly from lower grades due to its perfect balance, impeccable presentation, and extraordinary visual impact.
Technical Specifications
Condition: MS-65 GEM (Brilliant Uncirculated / Mint State-65 Gem)
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Luster: The original luster is dazzling, remarkably intense and perfectly uniform across 100% of the surface, with a spectacular "cartwheel" effect.
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Surface: Contact marks are completely absent to the naked eye. The fields are impeccably clear, with no visual distractions. Only tiny microscopic imperfections can be detected under 10x magnification, and nothing disturbs the visual harmony.
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Color Condition: The red poppy is perfectly preserved, a vibrant red, without any flaking or imperfection.
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Strike: Perfectly centered and complete strike with all design details exceptionally sharp.
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Visual Appeal: An MS-65 GEM grade coin represents the ultimate for a colored circulation coin of this issue. It is an exceptional coin of rare beauty, which will find its place in the greatest collections.
