2012 Canada: 25 Cents Tecumseh (War of 1812) - Colored Version
BU Quality (Brilliant Uncirculated) β 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 Shawnee Chief Tecumseh, a legendary hero in Canadian history . The third issue in the War of 1812 series, this coin celebrates the memory of this great Indigenous leader whose name means both "shooting star" and "panther ready to spring" . Tecumseh bravely fought to build an independent territory for his people, and his death in 1813 helped immortalize him as a Canadian hero . The colored version of this coin had a mintage of 6,250,000 copies . 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 from this era, the obverse is adorned with the maple leaf π at the bottom, a distinctive mark used since 2007. The legend "CANADA ELIZABETH II D β’ G β’ REGINA 2012" surrounds the royal bust. The engraving is signed by Susan Taylor . 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 (Colored Tecumseh)
The reverse, designed by artist Bonnie Ross, depicts a portrait of Chief Tecumseh on a field adorned with a finely sculpted motif where the inscription "War of 1812" is engraved in both French and English . Bonnie Ross drew inspiration from various representations of Tecumseh to create this custom design . The particularity of this version lies in the application of color, which highlights the painted Government of Canada logo for the War of 1812, composed of stylized "1812" typography with a maple leaf and two crossed swords . The inscriptions "25 CENTS," "TECUMSEH," and the vintage "1812" complete the reverse . In MS-63 Choice, the color is perfectly preserved, without flaking or wear, and all details of Tecumseh's portrait 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 well-preserved, intense, and uniform over almost the entire surface.
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Surface: Contact marks are minimal and few. A very light bump or fine scratch may be observed, but nothing distracting to the eye. The coin has not circulated.
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Color Condition: The color applied to the War of 1812 logo is perfectly preserved, without flaking or wear.
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Strike: Full strike with all design details (Tecumseh's portrait, colored logo, inscriptions) perfectly sharp and well-defined.
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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 superior presentation compared to the average MS-63.
