2012 25 cents TECUMSEH NC BU (MS-64) - CHOICE +

2012 Canada: 25 cents Tecumseh (War of 1812) - Standard Uncolored 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 Shawnee Chief Tecumseh, a legendary hero in Canadian history. It is the second coin in a series of four circulation coins honoring significant 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 offered specimen, graded MS-64 Choice +, represents an exceptional state of preservation with remarkable 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. It depicts the Queen at 77 years old, without a crown, wearing a necklace and earrings . The engraving is signed by Susan Taylor . 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 “ELIZABETH II CANADA 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 practically absent to the naked eye; only microscopic imperfections may be detected under magnification, and nothing detracts from the visual appeal.

The Reverse (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 "The War of 1812" is engraved in French and English . Bonnie Ross drew inspiration from various depictions of Tecumseh to create a custom design . The inscriptions "25 cents", "Tecumseh", "1812", and the artist's initials "BR" complete the reverse . Unlike the colored version, this standard uncolored (NC) version offers a more classic rendering that emphasizes the interplay of light and shadow on the metal. In MS-64 Choice +, all details of Tecumseh's portrait are perfectly sharp, with a full strike. The "Choice +" quality indicates a coin that surpasses the average MS-64 in its harmonious balance and superior presentation.

Technical Specifications

Condition: MS-64 CHOICE + (Brilliant Uncirculated / Mint State-64 Choice +)

• Luster: The original mint luster is brilliant, intense, and perfectly uniform over 100% of the surface.

• Surface: Contact marks are absent to the naked eye. At most, a tiny minor mark might be found under 10x magnification, but nothing significant. The fields are clear and without distraction.

• Strike: Perfectly centered and full strike with all design details (Tecumseh's portrait, inscriptions) exceptionally sharp.

• Visual Appeal: An MS-64 Choice + graded coin represents the ultimate for this historic issue. According to Numista's evaluations, the leap in quality between lower grades and the "superior uncirculated" level is significant, demonstrating the relative rarity of specimens in this exceptional quality .