2009 Canada: 25 Cents Cindy Klassen (Speed Skating) - Standard Version
BU (Brilliant Uncirculated) Quality — Grade: MS-63 CHOICE
Coin Description
This commemorative 25-cent coin was issued in 2009 (but circulated in 2010) by the Royal Canadian Mint to honor Cindy Klassen, the most decorated Canadian speed skater in Winter Olympics history. She won no fewer than 6 medals in two Olympic appearances, including 5 in the Turin Games in 2006 alone (gold in 1500m, silver in 1000m and pursuit, bronze in 3000m and 5000m). The standard (non-colored) version of this coin had a mintage of 22,000,000 copies for circulation. The offered specimen, graded MS-63 Choice, boasts remarkable preservation with superior visual appeal.
The Obverse (Effigy of Queen Elizabeth II)
The obverse features the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by Canadian artist Susanna Blunt ("SB" initials), an effigy used on Canadian coins from 2003 to 2023. In keeping with commemorative coins of this period, the obverse is adorned with the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics logo. The legend "ELIZABETH II 25 CENTS CANADA 2009" surrounds the royal bust. For an MS-63 Choice grade, the mint luster is well-present, intense, and uniform across almost the entire surface, with a beautiful "cartwheel" effect. Contact marks are minimal and barely visible to the naked eye.
The Reverse (Cindy Klassen in action)
The reverse, designed by artist Jason Bouwman ("JB" initials), illustrates speed skater Cindy Klassen in full action, in a characteristic pose for her discipline. The outline of the skater is finely detailed, with a stylized maple leaf in the background. Unlike the colored version, this standard version does not feature red enamel, offering a cleaner design. The inscriptions " CINDY 2006 KLASSEN " complete the reverse. In MS-63 Choice, all details of the skater, her posture, and the maple leaf are perfectly sharp and well-struck, with no wear.
Technical Specifications
Condition: MS-63 CHOICE (Brilliant Uncirculated / Mint State-63 Choice)
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Luster: The original luster is well-present, intense, and uniform across almost the entire surface, with a good "cartwheel" effect.
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Surface: Contact marks are minimal and few. A very slight ding or fine scratch may be observed, but nothing distracting to the eye. The coin has not circulated.
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Strike: Full strike with all design details (skater, maple leaf, inscriptions) perfectly sharp and well-defined.
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Visual Appeal: An MS-63 Choice graded coin offers an excellent balance between quality and value. The "Choice" designation indicates a coin that stands out for its superior presentation compared to the average MS-63.
