2010 Canada: 25 cents Poppy
BU (Brilliant Uncirculated) Quality — Grade: MS-63 CHOICE
Coin Description
This commemorative 25-cent coin was issued in 2010 by the Royal Canadian Mint in honor of Canadian veterans, marking the 65th anniversary of the end of World War II. It is Canada's third colored circulation coin featuring a poppy, following those issued in 2004 and 2008. Developed in association with the Royal Canadian Legion, this coin pays tribute to fallen soldiers, surviving veterans, and active troops. The first coin was presented to His Excellency David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, at a ceremony in Rideau Hall marking the launch of the Legion's annual Poppy Campaign. With a mintage of 10,978,000 for circulation, this highly symbolic coin is now sought after by collectors. The offered specimen, 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, an effigy used on Canadian coins from 2003 to 2023. In keeping with coins from this period, the obverse is adorned with the maple leaf 🍁 at the bottom, a distinctive mark used since 2007. The legend "ELIZABETH II D • G • REGINA" surrounds the royal bust. For an MS-63 Choice grade, the mint luster is well-present, intense, and uniform over almost the entire surface, with a beautiful "cartwheel" effect. Contact marks are minimal and barely visible to the naked eye.
The Reverse (Soldier and Poppies)
The reverse, designed by artist Cosme Saffioti, features a particularly moving design. It depicts a Canadian soldier bowing his head in contemplation, set against a stylized maple leaf background. Two red poppies are positioned on either side of the soldier, their vibrant colors contrasting with the rest of the coin. The color was applied using a patented process by the Royal Canadian Mint, ensuring full adhesion to the metal. The inscriptions "25 CENTS," "1945-2010," and "CANADA" complete the reverse. In MS-63 Choice, the poppy color is perfectly preserved, without flaking, and all the soldier's details 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 over almost the entire surface, with a good "cartwheel" effect.
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Surface: Contact marks are minimal and few. A very slight impact or a fine scratch may be observed, but nothing distracting to the eye. The coin has not circulated.
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Color condition: The two red poppies are perfectly preserved, with no flaking or wear of the color. The red is vibrant and well-centered.
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Strike: Full strike with all details of the design (soldier, maple leaf, inscriptions) perfectly sharp and well-executed.
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Visual appeal: An MS-63 Choice grade 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.
