2010 25 cents POPPY BU (MS-64) - CHOICE +

2010 Canada: 25 cents Poppy
BU (Brilliant Uncirculated) Quality — Grade: MS-64 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 the third colored circulation coin in Canada with a poppy theme, 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 . With a mintage of 10,978,000 coins for circulation , high-quality examples like this one are particularly sought after by collectors. The offered coin, graded MS-64 Choice +, represents an exceptional state of 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, an effigy used on Canadian coins from 2003 to 2023 . Consistent 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-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 with a magnifying glass, and nothing distracts the 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 remembrance, positioned against a stylized maple leaf background. Two red poppies are placed 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-64 Choice +, the color of the poppies is perfectly preserved, without flaking, and all details of the soldier are perfectly clear, with a full-strike.

Technical Specifications

Condition: MS-64 CHOICE + (Brilliant Uncirculated / Mint State-64 Choice +)

• Luster: The original luster is brilliant, intense, and perfectly uniform across 100% of the surface, with a superb "cartwheel" effect.

• Surface: Contact marks are absent to the naked eye. At most, a tiny minor mark might be found with a 10x loupe, but nothing significant. The fields are clear and without distraction.

• Color condition: The two red poppies are perfectly preserved, a brilliant red, without flaking or wear.

• Strike: Perfectly centered and full strike with all design details (soldier, maple leaf, inscriptions) exceptionally sharp.

• Visual appeal: An MS-64 Choice + graded coin represents the ultimate for a colored circulation coin of this issue. According to the price guide, the difference between MS-63 and MS-64 is significant, demonstrating the relative rarity of examples in this superior quality . The "Choice +" designation indicates a coin that surpasses the average MS-64 due to its harmonious balance and superior presentation.