2013 25 Cents SALABERRY COLOR BU (MS-63) - CHOICE

2013 Canada: 25 cents Charles-Michel de Salaberry (War of 1812) - Colored version
Quality BU (Brilliant Uncirculated) — Grade: MS-63 CHOICE

Coin Description

This commemorative 25-cent coin was issued on March 15, 2013, by the Royal Canadian Mint to mark the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812 and honor Lieutenant-Colonel Charles-Michel d'Irumberry de Salaberry (1778-1829), hero of the Battle of Châteauguay . It is the third issue in a series of four circulation coins (Sir Isaac Brock, Tecumseh, Charles-Michel de Salaberry, and Laura Secord) honoring important historical figures who influenced the outcome of decisive battles for Canada from 1812 to 1814 .

Lieutenant-Colonel de Salaberry and his Canadian Voltigeurs hold an important place among the many heroes who valiantly defended Canada 200 years ago. In the fall of 1813, he commanded a detachment of about 1,700 men, mainly Canadian Voltigeurs and Indigenous allies. Facing approximately 3,000 to 4,000 Americans, he won a decisive victory at the Battle of Châteauguay on October 26, 1813, forcing American troops to retreat and saving Montreal from a major invasion .

A total of 12.5 million coins featuring Salaberry were issued, including 6,250,000 colored versions, identifiable by the red maple leaf applied to the War of 1812 logo . The offered specimen, graded MS-63 Choice, boasts remarkable preservation with superior 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 . The legend “ ELIZABETH II CANADA D•G•REGINA 2013 ” surrounds the royal bust . For an MS-63 Choice grade, the original mint luster is present, intense and uniform across almost the entire surface. Contact marks are minimal and barely visible to the naked eye.

The Reverse (Charles-Michel de Salaberry with colored maple leaf)

The reverse, designed by artist Bonnie Ross ("BR" initials on the coin), depicts a three-quarter portrait of Charles-Michel de Salaberry in uniform, positioned against a finely chiseled background composed of the bilingual inscription "The War of 1812 / La guerre de 1812" repeated in the background . This background is horizontally divided by a polished silver band featuring the name “ de Salaberry ” engraved in cursive letters .

The particularity of this version lies in the application of red color to the stylized maple leaf from the Government of Canada's War of 1812 logo, with the year “ 1812 ” inscribed in an old style and crossed swords in the background . Bonnie Ross drew inspiration from various representations of Salaberry to create a custom design . The inscription “ 25 cents ” completes the reverse.

In MS-63 Choice, the red color of the maple leaf is perfectly preserved, with no flaking or wear, and all details of Salaberry's portrait are remarkably sharp.

Technical Specifications

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

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

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

• Color Condition: The red color applied to the maple leaf of the 1812 logo is perfectly preserved, with no flaking or wear .

• Strike: Full strike with all design details (Salaberry's portrait, silver band, colored 1812 logo, inscriptions) perfectly sharp and well-executed.

• Visual Appeal: An MS-63 Choice graded coin offers an excellent balance of quality and value. The "Choice" designation indicates a coin that stands out for its superior presentation compared to the average MS-63.