2009 Canada: 25 cents Cindy Klassen (Speed Skating) - Colour 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 honour Cindy Klassen, the most decorated Canadian speed skater in the history of the Winter Olympic Games . She won no less than 6 medals in two Olympic appearances, including 5 solely at the Turin Games in 2006 (gold in 1500m, silver in 1000m and pursuit, bronze in 3000m and 5000m) . The coloured version of this coin, with a limited mintage of 3,000,000 copies, is particularly sought after by collectors . The specimen offered, graded MS-63 Choice, boasts remarkable preservation and superior 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 logo of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games. The legend "ELIZABETH II 25 CENTS CANADA 2009" surrounds the royal bust . For an MS-63 Choice grade, the mint luster is well-preserved, 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 (initials "JB"), depicts 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. The peculiarity of this version lies in the application of colour (red enamel) which enhances the design. The inscriptions "CINDY 2006 KLASSEN" complete the reverse . In MS-63 Choice, the colour is perfectly preserved, without chipping, and all the details of the skater are remarkably sharp.
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 been circulated.
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Colour Condition: The colour (red enamel) is perfectly preserved, without chipping or wear.
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Strike: Full strike with all design details (skater, maple leaf, inscriptions) perfectly sharp and well-executed.
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Visual Appeal: An MS-63 Choice graded coin offers an excellent balance of quality and value. The "Choice" designation indicates a coin that stands out for its presentation, superior to the average MS-63.
