2012 Canada: 25 Cents Tecumseh (War of 1812) - Uncolored Standard 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 honor Shawnee Chief Tecumseh, a legendary hero in Canadian history. It is the second coin in a series of four circulation coins paying tribute to important historical figures who influenced the outcome of decisive battles for Canada from 1812 to 1814 . During the War of 1812, Tecumseh led over 2,000 warriors and fought at the sieges of Fort Meigs and Fort Stephenson. His support for Major-General Sir Isaac Brock was decisive in the capture of Detroit, although he ultimately perished in the Battle of the Thames in Chatham, Ontario, in 1813 . The mintage of this uncolored version is 12,500,000 copies . The offered specimen, graded MS-63 Choice, boasts remarkable preservation with superior 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. The engraving is signed by Susan Taylor . In keeping with coins from 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 well present, intense, and uniform over almost the entire surface. Contact marks are minimal and barely visible to the naked eye.
The Reverse (Tecumseh)
The reverse, designed by artist Bonnie Ross, depicts a portrait of Chief Tecumseh on a field adorned with a finely carved pattern where the inscription "War of 1812" is engraved in French and English . Bonnie Ross drew inspiration from various representations of Tecumseh to create a custom design . Unlike the colored version, this uncolored standard version (NC) offers a more classic rendering that emphasizes the play of light and shadow on the metal. The inscriptions “25 CENTS”, “TECUMSEH”, “WAR OF 1812 LA GUERRE DE 1812” and the year “1812” complete the reverse . In MS-63 Choice, all details of Tecumseh's portrait are perfectly sharp and well-struck, without any wear. The "Choice" quality indicates a coin that stands out for its superior presentation compared to the average MS-63.
Technical Specifications
Condition: MS-63 CHOICE (Brilliant Uncirculated / Mint State-63 Choice)
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Luster: The original mint luster is well present, intense, and uniform over almost the entire surface.
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Surface: Contact marks are minimal and few. A very slight impact or fine scratch may be observed, but nothing distracting to the eye. The coin has not circulated.
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Strike: Full strike with all design details (Tecumseh's portrait, inscriptions) perfectly sharp and well-defined.
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Visual Appeal: An MS-63 Choice grade coin offers an excellent balance between quality and value. The "Choice" designation indicates a coin that stands out for its superior presentation compared to the average MS-63.
