2010 Canada: 25 cents Poppy - 65th Anniversary of the End of World War II
BU Quality (Brilliant Uncirculated) — Grade: MS-66 GEM +
Coin Description
This commemorative 25-cent coin was issued in 2010 by the Royal Canadian Mint in honour of Canadian veterans, marking the 65th anniversary of the end of World War II (1945-2010). It is Canada's third coloured 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.
With a mintage of 10,978,000 copies for the coloured version, specimens in GEM + grade like this one are extremely rare. The offered specimen, graded MS-66 GEM +, 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. In keeping with coins from 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, with the date "2010".
For an MS-66 GEM + grade, the original mint luster is dazzling, of remarkable intensity and perfectly uniform across the entire surface. Contact marks are completely absent to the naked eye, and even with a 10x magnifying glass, only tiny microscopic imperfections can 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 his head in contemplation, set against a stylized maple leaf background. Two red poppies are positioned on either side of the soldier, their vibrant colours contrasting with the rest of the coin. The colour was applied using a patented process by the Royal Canadian Mint. The inscriptions "25 CENTS", "1945-2010", and "CANADA" complete the reverse.
In MS-66 GEM +, the colour of the poppies is absolutely perfect, a deep and vibrant red, without any chipping or wear. All details of the soldier (uniform, helmet, solemn expression) are exceptionally sharp, with a full-border strike. The "GEM +" quality indicates a coin of remarkable beauty that surpasses the average GEM due to its harmonious balance and superior presentation.
Technical Specifications
Condition: MS-66 GEM +
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Luster: The original mint luster is dazzling, of remarkable intensity and perfectly uniform across 100% of the surface.
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Surface: Contact marks are completely absent to the naked eye. The fields are exceptionally clear.
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Color condition: The two red poppies are absolutely perfect, a deep and vibrant red, without any chipping or wear.
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Strike: Perfectly centered and complete strike with all design details exceptionally sharp.
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Visual appeal: An MS-66 GEM + grade coin represents exceptional quality for this commemorative piece, ranking among the best existing examples.
