2011 Canada: 25 cents Wood Bison (Legendary Nature) - Colorized Version
Quality BU (Brilliant Uncirculated) — Grade: MS-63 CHOICE
Coin Description
This commemorative 25-cent coin was issued in 2011 by the Royal Canadian Mint as part of the "Legendary Nature in Canada" series. This series honors Canada's iconic wildlife alongside the orca and the peregrine falcon . The wood bison, North America's largest land mammal, is a symbol of strength and resilience, having been narrowly saved from extinction in the early 20th century. The colorized version of this coin is particularly sought after, as the Mint issued a special uncirculated set in 2011 that included the colorized versions . With a mintage of 6,250,000 for the colorized version , high-quality examples like this one are prized by collectors. The offered specimen, graded MS-63 Choice, boasts remarkable preservation with 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, with the date "2011" . For an MS-63 Choice grade, the mint luster is well-preserved, intense, and uniform across almost the entire surface, with a beautiful "cartwheel" effect. Contact marks are minimal and barely visible to the naked eye.
The Reverse (Colorized Wood Bison)
The reverse, designed by artist Claude Thivierge, depicts a stylized wood bison in its natural habitat . The uniqueness of this version lies in the application of green color that highlights the animal or its environment . The color was applied using a patented process by the Royal Canadian Mint on a three-ply nickel finish plated steel blank . The inscriptions "CANADA", "25 CENTS", and the year "2011" complete the reverse . In MS-63 Choice, the color is perfectly preserved, without flaking, and all details of the bison 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-preserved, intense and uniform across almost the entire surface, with a good "cartwheel" effect.
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Surface: Contact marks are minimal and few. A very slight ding or fine scratch may be observed, but nothing distracting to the eye. The coin has not circulated.
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Color condition: The applied green color is perfectly preserved, without flaking or wear .
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Strike: Full strike with all design details (bison, inscriptions) perfectly sharp and well-defined.
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Visual appeal: An MS-63 Choice graded coin offers an excellent balance of quality and value. The "Choice" designation indicates a coin that stands out due to its superior presentation compared to the average MS-63.
