2010 25 cents POPPY BU (MS-70) - EXCEPTIONAL

2010 Canada: 25 cents Poppy - 65th Anniversary of the End of World War II
Quality BU (Brilliant Uncirculated) — Grade: EXCEPTIONAL MS-70

Coin Description

This commemorative 25-cent coin was issued in 2010 by the Royal Canadian Mint in honor of Canadian veterans, on the occasion of the 65th anniversary of the end of World War II (1945-2010). It is the third colored circulation coin in Canada 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 colored version, specimens in EXCEPTIONAL grade like this one are of cosmic rarity. The MS-70 grade represents absolute perfection: a coin without the slightest imperfection, even under 10x magnification, with perfect luster, full strike, and intact color. It is the Holy Grail of numismatics.

What makes this specimen exceptional: The MS-70 grade is the highest possible on the Sheldon scale (1 to 70). For a circulation coin with color application, reaching this level is theoretically impossible according to conservation standards. This specimen defies the laws of physics and human handling. It is probably unique in the world.

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 accordance 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, with the date "2010".

For an EXCEPTIONAL MS-70 grade, the original strike luster achieves absolute perfection. The surface is perfectly uniform, without any interruption, and exhibits a shine that seems supernatural. Contact marks are non-existent even under 10x magnification, and the fields offer exceptional mirror depth. No imperfection, however microscopic, is detectable.

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, positioned 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 EXCEPTIONAL MS-70, the color of the poppies is of absolute perfection. The red is deep, intense, vibrant, with perfect saturation and an application of divine precision. The petals are exceptionally sharp, the veins are finely detailed, and the stylized maple leaf in the background is crystal clear. The strike is perfectly centered on 100% of the surface, with sharp edges and optimal strike pressure. The "EXCEPTIONAL" quality indicates a coin that achieves absolute perfection, without any imperfections.

Technical Specifications

Condition: EXCEPTIONAL MS-70

• Luster: The original strike luster achieves absolute perfection, with exceptional intensity and perfect uniformity across 100% of the surface.

• Surface: Contact marks are non-existent even under 10x magnification. The fields offer exceptional mirror depth. No imperfection, however microscopic, is detectable.

• Color condition: The two red poppies are of absolute perfection, a deep, intense, and vibrant red, without any flaking or wear.

• Strike: Strike is perfectly centered on 100% of the surface, with sharp edges and optimal strike pressure.

• Visual appeal: An EXCEPTIONAL MS-70 grade coin represents the absolute pinnacle of perfection for this historic coin. It is the perfect grade, the ultimate grade, the Holy Grail of numismatics.