2012 25 cents ISAAC BROCK NC BU (MS-63) - CHOICE
2012 Canada: 25 Cents Isaac Brock (War of 1812) - Standard Uncolored Version
Quality BU (Brilliant Uncirculated) — Grade: MS-63 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-Canadian and English militias, as well as First Nations and Métis allies unite to defend the borders . It was thanks to Brock's bravery and initiative that Canada was able to become a transcontinental nation .
The standard uncolored version of this coin allows for full appreciation of the engraving work and historical details of the design, with a particularly sought-after aesthetic feature: the frosted finish of Brock's portrait that contrasts with the brighter fields, creating a high-quality cameo effect .
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 "CANADA ELIZABETH II D • G • REGINA 2012" surrounds the royal bust . For an MS-63 Choice grade, the original mint luster is very much present, intense and uniform over almost the entire surface. Contact marks are minimal and barely visible to the naked eye.
The Reverse (Sir Isaac Brock with Frosted Finish)
The reverse, designed by artist Bonnie Ross, depicts a bust of Major-General Sir Isaac Brock in military uniform, with a stylized maple leaf to the left . The artist was inspired by various depictions of Brock to create a custom design . The distinctive feature of this uncolored version is the frosted finish applied to Brock's portrait, which stands out sharply against the finely detailed and brighter field, producing a superb cameo effect highly prized by collectors . The inscriptions "25 CENTS", "BROCK", "WAR OF 1812 LA GUERRE DE 1812" and the year "1812" complete the reverse . In MS-63 Choice, all details of Brock's portrait (facial features, uniform, medals) are perfectly sharp and well-struck, without any wear, and the frosted/brilliant contrast is fully preserved.
Technical Specifications
Condition: MS-63 CHOICE (Brilliant Uncirculated / Mint State-63 Choice)
-
Luster: The original mint luster is well present, intense, and uniform over almost the entire surface.
-
Surface: Contact marks are minimal and few. A very light ding or fine scratch may be observed, but nothing visually distracting. The coin has not circulated.
-
Frosted Finish / Cameo: The contrast between Brock's frosted portrait and the brilliant fields is well preserved, a key characteristic of this issue .
-
Strike: Full strike with all design details (Brock's portrait, maple leaf, inscriptions) perfectly sharp and well-defined.
-
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.