2013 25 cents EXPLORERS BU (MS-64) - CHOICE +

2013 Canada: 25 Cents Arctic Expedition (Explorers)
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 centennial of the first Canadian Arctic Expedition (1913-2016). This five-year scientific expedition, jointly organized by the Geological Survey of Canada and the Naval Service, brought together experts in anthropology, biology, and earth sciences. Traveling by ship and dog sled, the team braved many hardships; seventeen of its members perished during the expedition. Twenty-five million of these commemorative coins were released into circulation, shared between two different designs (explorers and whales). 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 from this period, the obverse is adorned with a maple leaf 🍁 at the bottom, a distinctive mark used since 2007. The legend "ELIZABETH II D • G • REGINA" surrounds the royal bust, along with the date "2013". 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 under magnification, and nothing distracts the eye.

The Reverse (Explorers and Dog Sled)

The reverse, designed by artist Bonnie Ross (initials "BR" on the coin), depicts three men on a dog sled awaiting the signal to venture into the Arctic tundra. In the background, a stylized image of a compass appears on the horizon. This design is taken from a photograph captured during the historic expedition. The inscriptions "CANADA 25 CENTS", "ARCTIC EXPEDITION 1913-2013 EXPEDITION DANS L'ARCTIQUE", and the initials "BR" complete the reverse. In MS-64 Choice +, all design details (explorers, dogs, sled, compass) are perfectly sharp, with a full-border strike.

There are two frosting varieties for this coin (frosted sled or frosted compass), but the specimen offered here is the standard version without prominent selective frosting, which corresponds to the desired "BU (MS-64) - CHOICE +" description.

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 under 10x magnification, but nothing significant. The fields are clear and distraction-free.

• Strike: Perfectly centered and complete strike with all design details (explorers, dogs, sled, compass) exceptionally sharp.

• Special Feature: This version does not exhibit prominent selective frosting, unlike the "frosted explorers" or "frosted compass" varieties.

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