2010 25 cents POPPY BU (MS-65) - GEM

2010 Canada: 25 cents Poppy - 65th Anniversary of the End of World War II
BU (Brilliant Uncirculated) Quality — Grade: MS-65 GEM

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 (1945-2010). It is Canada's third colored circulation coin with a poppy theme, following those of 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 at Rideau Hall marking the launch of the Legion's annual poppy campaign.

With a mintage of 10,978,000 units for the colored version, this coin is now sought after by collectors, particularly in higher conservation grades like this one. The offered specimen, graded MS-65 GEM, boasts exceptional preservation and remarkable visual appeal.

The Obverse (Queen Elizabeth II Effigy)

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 of this era, 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, along with the date "2010".

For an MS-65 GEM grade, the original mint luster is brilliant, with remarkable intensity and perfect uniformity across the entire surface. Contact marks are completely absent to the naked eye, and even under 10x magnification, only tiny microscopic imperfections may be detected. The fields are exceptionally clear.

The Reverse (Soldier and Poppies)

The reverse, designed by artist Cosme Saffioti, features a particularly moving design. It depicts a Canadian soldier bowing their 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-65 GEM, the color of the poppies is perfectly preserved, a vibrant red, with no flaking or wear. All details of the soldier (uniform, helmet, pensive expression) are exceptionally sharp, with a full strike. The "GEM" quality indicates a coin of exceptional beauty that stands out significantly from lower grades due to its perfect balance and impeccable presentation.

Technical Specifications

Condition: MS-65 GEM

• Luster: The original mint luster is brilliant, with remarkable intensity and perfect uniformity across 100% of the surface.

• Surface: Contact marks are completely absent to the naked eye. The fields are impeccably clear, with no visual distractions.

• Color Condition: The two red poppies are perfectly preserved, a vibrant red, with no flaking or wear.

• Strike: Perfectly centered and complete strike with all design details exceptionally sharp.

• Visual Appeal: An MS-65 GEM grade coin represents exceptional quality for this commemorative coin with a powerful message. The "GEM" designation indicates a coin of remarkable beauty.