2013 25 Cents FROSTED WHALES BU (MS-64) - CHOICE +
2013 Canada: 25 cents Life in the North (Canadian Arctic Expedition) - Frosted Version
BU (Brilliant Uncirculated) Quality — 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 . This five-year scientific expedition led to the discovery of unknown territories and islands, bringing back thousands of photographs, artifacts, and specimens that offered Canadians a glimpse into Arctic life . 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 shows the 77-year-old Queen, uncrowned, wearing a necklace and earrings. The engraving is signed by Susan Taylor . In line with coins from this era, 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 virtually 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 with Selective Frosting)
The reverse, designed by the renowned Inuit artist Tim Pitsiulak (his initials in Inuktitut syllabics "nJn" appear on the coin) , depicts a rich and complex design of Arctic life. In the center, two beluga whales swim alongside a bowhead whale (Arctic right whale). This bowhead whale is adorned with several elements from Inuit culture :
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An ivory mask from the Dorset culture on its lower jaw and back
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A Thule ivory comb on its head, representing Inuit expansion across Canada
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An igloo motif on its flank
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An amauti (woman's parka) design on its tail
Around the edge 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 complex details of this design are perfectly sharp, with a full-strike and the selective frosting is beautifully preserved.
Frosting Varieties
There are two main varieties for this coin, each with a mintage of 6,250,000 specimens :
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Type 1: The bowhead whale is selectively frosted (including or not including the tip of its small fin)
The specimen offered here is the version where both beluga whales are frosted (Type 2). The "Choice +" quality indicates a coin that exceeds the average MS-64 due to its harmonious balance, superior presentation, and particularly well-preserved frosting.
Technical Specifications
Condition: MS-64 CHOICE + (Brilliant Uncirculated / Mint State-64 Choice +)
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Luster: The original mint luster is brilliant, intense, and perfectly uniform across 100% of the surface.
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Surface: Contact marks are absent to the naked eye. At most, a tiny minor mark might be found under a 10x magnifying glass, but nothing significant. The fields are clear and without distraction.
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Frosted Finish: The selective frosting on both beluga whales is perfectly preserved, creating a striking aesthetic contrast with the rest of the design.
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Strike: Perfectly centered and full strike with all the complex details of the design (whales, cultural motifs, hunting scene on the rim) exceptionally sharp.
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Visual Appeal: An MS-64 Choice + grade coin represents the pinnacle for this commemorative issue. The "Choice +" designation indicates a coin that surpasses the average MS-64 due to its harmonious balance and superior presentation.