2009 Canada: 25 cents Cross-Country Skiing (Vancouver 2010)
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 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Launched on January 17, 2009, during the Cross-Country Skiing World Cup at Whistler Olympic Park , it pays tribute to cross-country skiing, a sport that demands exceptional endurance and cardiovascular fitness . Introduced at the Winter Olympics in 1924 in Chamonix , cross-country skiing is one of the most demanding disciplines on the Olympic program. With a mintage of 22,000,000 for circulation , this coin is now highly sought after by collectors of the Olympic series. The offered example, 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 . It depicts the Queen at 77 years old, uncrowned, wearing a necklace and earrings . In line with commemorative coins from this period, the obverse is adorned with the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games logo . The legend "CANADA • ELIZABETH II 2009" surrounds the royal bust . The engraving is signed by Susan Taylor . 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 (Cross-Country Skier)
The reverse, designed by Vancouver artist Glen Green ("GG" initials) , depicts a cross-country skier in action, in full effort, in front of a stylized maple leaf evoking the Canadian national emblem . The dynamic design captures all the energy of this endurance sport. The inscriptions "25 cents", "Vancouver 2010 TM/MC" and the engraver's initials "GG" complete the reverse . In MS-63 Choice, all the details of the skier, their 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-preserved, 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 visually distracting. The coin has not circulated.
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Strike: Full strike with all design details (skier, maple leaf, 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 for its superior presentation compared to the average MS-63.
