BU (Brilliant Uncirculated) Quality — Grade: MS-65 GEM
Coin Description
This 2009 25-cent coin belongs to the long line of caribou quarters, an iconic design introduced in 1937. The year 2009 marks the continued use of the maple leaf 🍁 as a distinctive mark at the bottom of the obverse, a feature adopted since 2007. With a massive mintage for circulation, specimens in exceptional quality like this one are extremely rare and sought after. The specimen offered, graded MS-65 GEM, represents the pinnacle of quality for this issue, an exceptional state of preservation that clearly distinguishes it from standard specimens.
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. The legend "ELIZABETH II D • G • REGINA" surrounds the royal bust, with the date "2009". For an MS-65 GEM grade, the mint luster is dazzling, remarkably intense and perfectly uniform across the entire surface, with a spectacular "cartwheel" effect that seems to make 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 (Caribou)
The reverse features the classic caribou design, created by Emanuel Hahn and used since 1937. The animal's head, an iconic symbol of Canadian currency, is surrounded by the inscription "CANADA", the value "25 CENTS", and the year "2009". In MS-65 GEM, all details of the antlers, fur, eye, and contours are stunningly sharp, with a full-border strike. The "GEM" quality indicates a coin of exceptional beauty that clearly stands out 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 over 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, without any visual distractions. Only tiny microscopic imperfections can be detected under 10x magnification, and nothing disturbs the visual harmony.
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Strike: Perfectly centered and full strike with all design details (caribou, inscriptions) exceptionally sharp.
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Visual Appeal: An MS-65 GEM grade coin represents the pinnacle for a circulation coin of this type. It is an exceptional coin of rare beauty that will find its place in the most important collections.
