2012 Canada: 25 cents Isaac Brock (War of 1812) - Coloured Version
BU (Brilliant Uncirculated) Quality — Grade: MS-64 CHOICE +
Coin Description
This commemorative 25-cent coin was issued in 2012 by the Royal Canadian Mint to mark the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812 and to honor Major-General Sir Isaac Brock, a Canadian military hero. This war was a pivotal moment in Canadian history, seeing British soldiers, French and English Canadian militias, as well as First Nations and Métis allies unite to defend the borders. Without their courage and sacrifice, the Canada we know today would not exist. The coloured version of this coin, with a mintage of 6,250,000 copies, highlights the historical elements of its design. The specimen offered, graded MS-64 Choice +, boasts exceptional conservation status with remarkable visual appeal.
The Obverse (Queen Elizabeth II Effigy)
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 "CANADA ELIZABETH II D • G • REGINA 2012" surrounds the royal bust . For an MS-64 Choice + grade, the original mint luster is brilliant, intense, and perfectly uniform across the entire surface. Contact marks are virtually absent to the naked eye; only microscopic imperfections may be detected under magnification, and nothing distracts the eye.
The Reverse (Sir Isaac Brock)
The reverse, designed by artist Bonnie Ross, features a bust of Major-General Sir Isaac Brock in military uniform . The particularity of this version lies in the application of color that enhances design elements, likely historical accents or uniform details. The color was applied using a patented process by the Royal Canadian Mint, ensuring full adhesion to the metal. The inscriptions "25 CENTS," "BROCK," "WAR OF 1812 LA GUERRE DE 1812" complete the reverse . In MS-64 Choice +, the color is perfectly preserved, without flaking or wear, and all details of Brock's portrait are perfectly sharp, with a full-border strike.
Technical Specifications
Condition: MS-64 CHOICE + (Brilliant Uncirculated / Mint State-64 Choice +)
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Luster: The original mint luster is brilliant, intense, and perfectly uniform over 100% of the surface.
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Surface: Contact marks are absent to the naked eye. At most, a tiny minor mark may be found under 10x magnification, but nothing significant. The fields are clear and distraction-free.
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Color Condition: The applied color is perfectly preserved, without flaking or wear.
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Strike: Perfectly centered and complete strike with all design details exceptionally sharp.
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Visual Appeal: An MS-64 Choice + grade coin represents the pinnacle for this historic issue. According to value guides, the difference between MS-63 and MS-64 is significant, demonstrating the relative rarity of specimens in this superior quality .
