2013 25 cents FROSTED EXPLORERS BU (MS-62)

2013 Canada: 25 cents Arctic Expedition (Explorers) - Frosted Version
Quality BU (Brilliant Uncirculated) — Grade: MS-62

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 (1913-2016). 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 put into circulation, divided between two different designs (explorers and whales) .

The special feature of this version lies in the selective frosting applied to certain elements of the design. There are two distinct varieties for this coin: one with the frosted sled, the other with the frosted compass rays . The example offered here is in MS-62, a grade that offers a good state of preservation for this sought-after commemorative coin.

The Obverse (Effigy of Queen Elizabeth II)

The obverse features a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by Canadian artist Susanna Blunt, an effigy used on Canadian coins from 2003 to 2023. 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 "ELIZABETH II D • G • REGINA" surrounds the royal bust, with the date "2013". The engraving is signed by Susan Taylor . For an MS-62 grade, the original mint luster is present, covering most of the surface, but may be slightly interrupted in some areas, with some minor contact marks visible to the naked eye on the high points of the relief.

The Reverse (Explorers and dog sled with frosting)

The reverse, designed by artist Bonnie Ross ("BR" initials on the coin), depicts three men on a dog sled waiting for the signal to set off into the Arctic tundra. In the background is the stylized image of a compass on the horizon . This design is taken from a photograph taken during the historic expedition . The particularity of this version lies in the selective frosting applied either to the sled and explorers or to the compass rays .

For an MS-62 grade, all design details (explorers, dogs, sled, compass) are sharp, and the frosting is preserved despite a few very slight handling marks on the periphery.

Technical Specifications

Condition: MS-62 (Brilliant Uncirculated / Mint State-62)

• Luster: Original mint luster is present, covering most of the surface, but may be slightly interrupted or less intense in the most exposed areas.

• Surface: Presence of some contact marks (dings, fine scratches) visible to the naked eye or under magnification, mainly on the fields and high points. The coin has not circulated but has undergone very slight handling.

• Frosted finish: The selective frosting is well preserved, creating an aesthetic contrast with the rest of the design.

• Strike: The strike is complete, and all design details are clearly visible.

• Visual appeal: An MS-62 grade coin represents an excellent compromise for the collector who wishes to acquire this frosted variety at an affordable price while benefiting from an uncirculated condition.