2013 25 cents SALABERRY COLORED BU (MS-64) - CHOICE +

2013 Canada: 25 cents Charles-Michel de Salaberry (War of 1812) - Colored version
Quality BU (Brilliant Uncirculated) — Grade: MS-64 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 to honor Lieutenant-Colonel Charles-Michel d'Irumberry de Salaberry (1778-1829), hero of the Battle of Châteauguay. This is the third issue in a series of four circulation coins (Sir Isaac Brock, Tecumseh, Charles-Michel de Salaberry, and Laura Secord) paying tribute to 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 approximately 1,700 men, mainly Canadian Voltigeurs and Indigenous allies. Facing an estimated 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 Salaberry-effigy coins were issued, including 6,250,000 in the colored version, identifiable by the red maple leaf applied to the War of 1812 logo. 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 shows 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-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 with a magnifying glass, and nothing distracts the eye .

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

The reverse, designed by artist Bonnie Ross ("BR" initials on the coin), features a three-quarter portrait of Charles-Michel de Salaberry in uniform, set against a finely crafted 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 unique feature of this version is 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 font 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-64 Choice +, the red color of the maple leaf is perfectly preserved, with no flaking or wear, and all details of Salaberry's portrait are exceptionally sharp, with a full-strike. The "Choice +" designation 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 across 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 distraction-free.

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

• Strike: Perfectly centered and full strike with all design details (Salaberry's portrait, silver band, colored 1812 logo, inscriptions) exceptionally sharp.

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