2013 25 Cents LAURA SECORD COLORED BU (MS-63) - CHOICE

2013 Canada: 25 cents Laura Secord (War of 1812) - Color Version
BU (Brilliant Uncirculated) Quality — Grade: MS-63 CHOICE

Coin Description

This commemorative 25-cent coin was issued on June 22, 2013, by the Royal Canadian Mint to mark the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812 and to pay tribute to Laura Secord (1775-1868), a legendary heroine in Canadian history . It is the fifth and final issue in a series of four circulating coins (Isaac Brock, Tecumseh, Charles-Michel de Salaberry, and Laura Secord) honoring important historical figures who influenced the outcome of decisive battles for Canada .

In June 1813, Laura Secord overheard American officers discussing their intention to ambush the British near Beaver Dams. Her husband still recovering from war wounds, she set out early the next morning to walk the approximately 30 kilometers to Lieutenant James FitzGibbon. She first managed to deliver her message to a group of about 400 First Nations warriors, and then to FitzGibbon. On June 24, 1813, American forces were met by First Nations warriors and forced to surrender.

The color version of this coin had a mintage of 6,250,000 copies . The offered specimen, graded MS-63 Choice, boasts remarkable preservation and superior visual appeal.

The Obverse (Effigy of Queen Elizabeth II)

The obverse features the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by Canadian artist Susanna Blunt ("SB" initials below the effigy), an effigy used on Canadian coins from 2003 to 2023 . The legend "ELIZABETH II CANADA D•G•REGINA 2013" surrounds the royal bust . In line with coins from this era, the obverse is adorned with the maple leaf 🍁 at the bottom, a distinctive mark used since 2007. For an MS-63 Choice grade, the original mint luster is well-present, intense, and uniform over almost the entire surface. Contact marks are minimal and barely visible to the naked eye.

The Reverse (Colored Laura Secord)

The reverse, designed by artist Bonnie Ross ("BR" initials on the coin), depicts a profile portrait of Laura Secord on a field adorned with a finely crafted pattern consisting of the inscription "The War of 1812" engraved in French and English . Bonnie Ross drew inspiration from various representations of Laura Secord to create a custom design.

The particularity of this version lies in the application of color which highlights elements of the design, most likely the portrait of Laura Secord herself or symbolic details . This coloring technique was applied using a patented process by the Royal Canadian Mint, ensuring full adhesion of the color to the metal. It also features the stylized maple leaf from the Government of Canada's War of 1812 logo, with the year "1812" inscribed in an old style . The inscriptions "25 cents" and "Secord" complete the reverse .

In MS-63 Choice, the color is perfectly preserved, without flaking or wear, and all details of Laura Secord's portrait are remarkably sharp.

Technical Specifications

Condition: MS-63 CHOICE (Brilliant Uncirculated / Mint State-63 Choice)

• Luster: The original mint luster is well present, intense, and uniform across almost the entire surface.

• Surface: Contact marks are minimal and few in number. A very light scuff or fine scratch may be observed, but nothing visually distracting. The coin has not circulated.

• Color Condition: The applied color on the design is perfectly preserved, without flaking or wear.

• Strike: Full strike with all design details (Laura Secord's portrait, stylized maple leaf, inscriptions) perfectly sharp and well-defined.

• Visual Appeal: An MS-63 Choice grade coin offers an excellent balance between quality and value. The "Choice" designation indicates a coin that stands out for its above-average presentation for MS-63.