2008 25 cents POPPY BU (MS-67) - SUPERB

2008 Canada: 25 cents Poppy - 90th Anniversary of the Armistice
BU Quality (Brilliant Uncirculated) — Grade: MS-67 SUPERB

Coin Description

This commemorative 25-cent coin was issued in 2008 by the Royal Canadian Mint to mark the 90th anniversary of the World War I Armistice (1918-2008). It follows in the tradition begun in 2004 with the world's first colored circulation coin, offering an improved version of the poppy with a more resistant 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 who died in war, superimposed on a stylized maple leaf. The inscription “1918 ARMISTICE” was added to specifically commemorate the 90th anniversary of the end of World War I.

With a mintage of 11,300,000 copies for this commemorative issue, examples graded SUPERB like this one are exceptionally rare. According to Numicanada data, for the 2008 poppy coin, only 3 examples in MS-65 and 1 example in MS-67 have been recorded in 2024-2025 auctions.

What makes this example exceptional: According to Numicanada, for the 2008 poppy coin, the MS-67 grade is the highest recorded in recent auctions, with only 1 sale recorded in 2024-2025, at a value of $44.20. The rarity of this grade is exceptional, making it particularly sought after by collectors.

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 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 copper-plated steel (94% steel, 3.8% copper, 2.2% nickel), a standard for circulation coins of this period.

For an MS-67 SUPERB grade, the original mint luster is dazzling, of remarkable intensity and perfectly uniform across the entire surface. Contact marks are totally absent to the naked eye, and even under 10x magnification, imperfections are so minor as to be virtually undetectable. 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 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 World War I. The words “REMEMBER” and “SOUVENIR” complete the reverse.

In MS-67 SUPERB, the color of the poppy is absolutely perfect, a deep, intense, and vibrant red, without any chipping or wear. The improved coloring technique of 2008 offers superior wear resistance. The petals are exceptionally sharp, and the stylized maple leaf in the background is crystal clear. The "SUPERB" quality indicates a coin of exceptional beauty that stands out clearly from lower grades due to its perfect balance, impeccable presentation, and almost total absence of marks.

Technical Specifications

Condition: MS-67 SUPERB

• Luster: The original mint luster is dazzling, of remarkable intensity and perfectly uniform on 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 chipping or wear.

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

• Visual appeal: An MS-67 SUPERB grade coin represents the absolute pinnacle for this commemorative coin, the highest grade recorded in auctions.