2011 Canada: 25 cents Orca (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 honors Canada's iconic wildlife, and the orca (Orcinus orca), also known as the killer whale, holds a prominent place alongside the wood bison and peregrine falcon. These majestic marine mammals, recognizable by their distinctive black and white markings, are particularly present off the coast of British Columbia, where they are a major attraction for whale watching. The standard uncolored version of this coin allows for full appreciation of the engraving work and the power of the design. 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 of that 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 original mint luster is well-preserved, intense and uniform over almost the entire surface. Contact marks are minimal and barely visible to the naked eye.
The Reverse (Orca)
The reverse, designed by artist Claude Thivierge, depicts a stylized orca in mid-leap or mid-swim, capturing the grace and power of this marine mammal. The design highlights the characteristic silhouette of the orca with its imposing dorsal fin and black and white patterns rendered by the engraving work. The inscriptions "CANADA," "25 CENTS," and the year "2011" complete the reverse. In MS-63 Choice, all details of the orca (fin, body, splashes) are perfectly sharp and well-struck, without any wear. The "Choice" quality indicates a coin that stands out for its presentation superior to the average MS-63.
Technical Specifications
Condition: MS-63 CHOICE (Brilliant Uncirculated / Mint State-63 Choice)
-
Luster: The original mint luster is well-preserved, intense and uniform over almost the entire surface.
-
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.
-
Strike: Full strike with all design details (orca, inscriptions) perfectly sharp and well-defined.
-
Visual Appeal: An MS-63 Choice grade coin offers an excellent balance of quality and value. The "Choice" designation indicates a coin that stands out for its presentation superior to the average MS-63.
