2013 25 Cents WHALES BU (MS-64) - CHOICE +

2013 Canada: 25 cents Life in the North (Canadian Arctic Expedition)
Quality BU (Brilliant Uncirculated) — Grade: MS-64 CHOICE +

Coin Description

This commemorative 25-cent coin was issued on November 22, 2013, by the Royal Canadian Mint to mark the centenary of the first Canadian Arctic Expedition (1913-2013). It showcases life in the North through the eyes of Inuit artist Tim Pitsiulak from Kinngait (Cape Dorset), Nunavut . Twenty-five million of these commemorative coins were released into circulation, divided between two different designs . 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 . 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 "ELIZABETH II D • G • REGINA" 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 with a magnifying glass, and nothing distracts the eye.

The Reverse (Whales and Northern Life)

The reverse, designed by the celebrated Inuit artist Tim Pitsiulak (whose initials in Inuktitut syllabics "nJn" appear on the coin) , features a rich and complex design of Arctic life. In the center, two beluga whales are swimming alongside a bowhead whale (Arctic right whale) . This bowhead whale is adorned with several elements from Inuit culture:

• An ivory mask from the Dorset culture on its back

• A Thule ivory comb on its head

• An igloo motif on its flank

• An amauti (women's parka) design on its tail 

Around the rim of the coin, in silhouette, a traditional hunting scene depicts an umiak (Inuit hunting boat) chasing a whale, followed by three kayaks . The inscriptions "CANADA," "25 CENTS," and the year "2013" complete the reverse . In MS-64 Choice +, all the intricate details of this design are perfectly sharp, with a full-strike.

Frosted Varieties

There are two main varieties for this coin, each with a mintage of 6,250,000 copies :

1. Type 1: The bowhead whale is selectively frosted (including the tip of its small fin) .

2. Type 2: The two beluga whales are selectively frosted .

The specimen offered here is the version where the two beluga whales are frosted (Type 2). 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 across 100% of the surface.

• Surface: Contact marks are absent to the naked eye. At most, a tiny minor mark might be found with a 10x magnifying glass, but nothing significant. Fields are clear and distraction-free.

• Frosted Finish: The frosting on the two belugas is perfectly preserved, creating a striking aesthetic contrast with the rest of the design .

• Strike: Perfectly centered and full strike with all intricate design details (whales, cultural motifs, hunting scene on the rim) exceptionally sharp.

• Visual Appeal: An MS-64 Choice + graded coin represents the ultimate for this commemorative issue. The "Choice +" designation indicates a coin that surpasses the average MS-64 in its harmonious balance and superior presentation.