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

2013 Canada: 25 cents Arctic Expedition (Explorers) - Frosted Version
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 (1913-2016). 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 faced numerous hardships; seventeen of its members perished during the expedition. Twenty-five million of these commemorative coins were put into circulation, divided into two different designs (explorers and whales). The frosted version had a mintage of 6,250,000 copies .

The proposed example, 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. 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-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 can be detected with a magnifying glass, and nothing distracts the eye .

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 awaiting the signal to embark on the Arctic tundra. In the background appears the stylized image of a compass on the horizon. This design is taken from a photograph taken during the historic expedition. The uniqueness of this version lies in the selective frosting applied to design elements, either on the sled and explorers or on the compass rays ("frosted compass arc") .

In MS-64 Choice +, all design details (explorers, dogs, sled, compass) are perfectly sharp, with a full strike. The selective frosting is beautifully preserved, creating a striking contrast with the brilliant fields. The "Choice +" quality indicates a coin that surpasses the average MS-64 due to 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 with a 10x magnifying glass, but nothing significant . The fields are clear and without distraction.

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

• Strike: Perfectly centered and full strike with all design details (explorers, dogs, sled, compass) of exceptional sharpness.

• Visual Appeal: An MS-64 Choice + grade coin represents the pinnacle for this frosted commemorative issue. The "Choice +" designation indicates a coin that exceeds the average MS-64 due to its harmonious balance and superior presentation.