2011 Canada: 25 Cents Peregrine Falcon (Legendary Nature) - Color Version
BU (Brilliant Uncirculated) Quality — 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 peregrine falcon holds a prominent place alongside the wood bison and the orca. This coin is dedicated to the centenary of Parks Canada and pays tribute to a bird species that almost disappeared. The peregrine falcon, known as the fastest animal in the world with dives exceeding 300 km/h, is a symbol of the success of conservation programs in Canada. The color version of this coin highlights the distinctive plumage of this raptor, with brown, beige, and white tones that bring out the details of its feathers. The offered specimen, graded MS-63 Choice, shows 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 from 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 strong, intense, and uniform over almost the entire surface. Contact marks are minimal and barely visible to the naked eye.
The Reverse (Colored Peregrine Falcon)
The reverse depicts a stylized peregrine falcon in all its majesty. The particularity of this version lies in the application of color which highlights the characteristic plumage of this raptor: the brown tones of its back, the lighter shades of its chest, and the dark markings around its eyes. The color was applied using a patented process by the Royal Canadian Mint, ensuring full adhesion to the metal. 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 the details of the falcon (plumage, talons, beak) are remarkably sharp.
Technical Specifications
Condition: MS-63 CHOICE (Brilliant Uncirculated / Mint State-63 Choice)
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Luster: The original mint luster is strong, intense, and uniform over almost the entire surface.
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Surface: Contact marks are minimal and few. A very slight ding or fine scratch may be observed, but nothing visually distracting. The coin has not circulated.
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Color condition: The color applied to the falcon's plumage is perfectly preserved, without flaking or wear. The details of the colored plumage are clearly visible.
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Strike: Full strike with all design details (falcon, 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 for its superior presentation compared to the average MS-63, with particularly well-preserved color.
