2009 Canada: 25 cents Cindy Klassen (Speed Skating) - Standard Version
BU (Brilliant Uncirculated) Quality — Grade: MS-64 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 the history of the Winter Olympic Games. She won no fewer than 6 medals in two Olympic appearances, including 5 solely at the Turin Games in 2006 (gold in 1500m, silver in 1000m and team pursuit, bronze in 3000m and 5000m) . Following a vote held in 2009 by the Royal Canadian Mint and the Canadian Olympic Broadcast Media Consortium, this historic feat was ranked as the third greatest moment for Canada at the Winter Olympics and was immortalized on this 25-cent coin . The standard (non-colored) version of this coin had a mintage of 19,000,000 units for circulation . The offered specimen, graded MS-64 Choice, provides exceptional preservation with remarkable visual appeal.
The Obverse (Effigy of Queen Elizabeth II)
The obverse features the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by Canadian artist Susanna Blunt (initials "SB"), 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 Olympic Games logo . The legend "ELIZABETH II 25 CENTS CANADA 2009" surrounds the royal bust . For an MS-64 Choice grade, the mint luster is brilliant, intense, and perfectly uniform across the entire surface, with a superb "cartwheel" effect. Contact marks are virtually absent to the naked eye; only microscopic imperfections may be detected under magnification, and nothing detracts from the view.
The Reverse (Cindy Klassen in Action)
The reverse, designed by artist Jason Bouwman (initials "JB"), illustrates speed skater Cindy Klassen in full action, in a characteristic pose of 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-64 Choice, all details of the skater, her posture, and the maple leaf are perfectly sharp, with full strike. The "Choice" quality indicates a coin that stands out for its harmonious balance and superior presentation.
Technical Specifications
Condition: MS-64 CHOICE (Brilliant Uncirculated / Mint State-64 Choice)
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Luster: The original luster is brilliant, intense, and perfectly uniform across 100% of the surface, with a superb "cartwheel" effect.
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Surface: Contact marks are absent to the naked eye. At most, a tiny minor mark might be found under 10x magnification, but nothing significant. Fields are clear and distraction-free.
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Strike: Perfectly centered and full strike with all details of the design (skater, maple leaf, inscriptions) exceptionally sharp.
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Visual Appeal: An MS-64 Choice graded coin represents an excellent balance between quality and value. The "Choice" designation indicates a coin with superior presentation compared to the average MS-64.
