2011 Canada: 25 cents Wood Bison (Legendary Nature) - Standard uncolored version
Quality BU (Brilliant Uncirculated) — Grade: MS-63 CHOICE
Coin Description
This 25-cent coin was issued in 2011 by the Royal Canadian Mint as part of the "Legendary Nature in Canada" series. This series highlights Canada's iconic wildlife, and the wood bison holds a prominent place alongside the orca and peregrine falcon . As North America's largest land mammal, the wood bison is a symbol of strength and resilience, having been narrowly saved from extinction in the early 20th century. The standard uncolored version of this coin, with its clean design, allows for full appreciation of the engraving work. The offered specimen, graded MS-63 Choice, boasts remarkable preservation and 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 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, with the date "2011". For an MS-63 Choice grade, the mint luster is well-present, intense, and uniform over almost the entire surface, with a beautiful "cartwheel" effect. Contact marks are minimal and barely visible to the naked eye.
The Reverse (Wood Bison)
The reverse, designed by artist Claude Thivierge, depicts a stylized wood bison in its natural habitat . The design highlights the animal's power and presence through precise and detailed engraving work. Unlike the colored version, this standard uncolored (NC) version offers a more classic rendering that emphasizes the play of light and shadow on the metal. The inscriptions "CANADA," "25 CENTS," and the year "2011" complete the reverse . In MS-63 Choice, all the details of the bison (musculature, coat, head) are perfectly sharp and well-struck, with no wear.
Technical Specifications
Condition: MS-63 CHOICE (Brilliant Uncirculated / Mint State-63 Choice)
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Luster: The original luster is well-present, intense and uniform over 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 a fine scratch may be observed, but nothing distracting to the eye. The coin has not circulated.
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Strike: Full strike with all design details (bison, inscriptions) perfectly sharp and well-executed.
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Visual appeal: An MS-63 Choice grade coin offers an excellent balance between quality and value. The "Choice" designation indicates a coin that stands out for its presentation, superior to the average MS-63.
