2009 Canada: 25 cents Speed Skating (Vancouver 2010) - Standard Version
BU Quality (Brilliant Uncirculated) — Grade: MS-63 CHOICE
Coin Description
This commemorative 25-cent coin was issued in 2009 by the Royal Canadian Mint as part of the series celebrating the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. It pays tribute to speed skating, a sport that has been part of the Olympic Games since the first Winter Games held in Chamonix in 1924 . Speed skating is considered the fastest human-powered sport without mechanical aid . With a mintage of 22,400,000 copies for circulation , this coin is now prized by collectors of the Olympic series. 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 line with commemorative coins of this period, the obverse is adorned with the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games logo . The legend “CANADA • ELIZABETH II 2009” surrounds the royal bust . For an MS-63 Choice grade, the strike 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 (Speed Skater)
The reverse, designed by Vancouver artist Glen Green ("GG" initials) , depicts a speed skater in action, in a characteristic posture for this Olympic discipline . The design is simple but dynamic, capturing the essence of this sliding sport. The inscriptions “VANCOUVER 2010” and the value “25 CENTS” complete the reverse . In MS-63 Choice, all details of the skater and their posture 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 light 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, inscriptions) perfectly sharp and well-defined.
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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 with its above-average presentation for an MS-63.
