2008 25 cents POPPY BU (MS-66) - GEM +

2008 Canada: 25 cents Poppy - 90th Anniversary of Armistice
Quality BU (Brilliant Uncirculated) — Grade: MS-66 GEM +

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 follows the tradition started in 2004 with the world's first colored circulation coin.

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 who died in the 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 , copies in GEM + quality like this one are extremely rare. According to Numicanada, the MS-66 grade is the second highest listed for this coin, with a value progression that testifies to its rarity .

What makes this copy exceptional: According to Numicanada, for the 2008 poppy coin, the MS-66 grade is valued at $34.90, compared to $18.90 for MS-65 and only $7.10 for MS-64 . This spectacular jump demonstrates the rarity of copies in this superior quality.

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 that 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-66 GEM + grade, the original mint luster is dazzling, remarkably intense, and perfectly uniform across the entire surface. Contact marks are totally absent to the naked eye, and even under 10x magnification, only tiny microscopic imperfections can be detected. The fields are exceptionally clear.

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 who died in the war, superimposed on a stylized maple leaf. 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.

In MS-66 GEM +, the poppy's color is absolutely perfect, a deep and vibrant red, without any flaking or wear. The petals are exceptionally sharp, and the stylized maple leaf in the background is crystal clear. The "GEM +" quality indicates a coin of remarkable beauty that exceeds the average GEM in its harmonious balance and superior presentation.

Technical Specifications

Condition: MS-66 GEM +

• Luster: The original mint luster is dazzling, remarkably intense, and perfectly uniform across 100% of the surface.

• Surface: Contact marks are totally absent to the naked eye. The fields are exceptionally clear.

• Color Condition: The red poppy is absolutely perfect, a deep and vibrant red, without flaking or wear.

• Strike: Perfectly centered and complete strike with all design details exceptionally sharp.

• Visual Appeal: An MS-66 GEM + grade coin represents exceptional quality for this commemorative coin, ranking just below the highest listed grade (MS-67) .