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

2013 Canada: 25 cents Charles-Michel de Salaberry (War of 1812) - Non-colored version with frosted portrait
Quality BU (Brilliant Uncirculated) — Grade: MS-64 CHOICE +

Coin Description

This commemorative 25-cent coin was issued in 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 . It is the fourth issue in a series of four circulation coins (Sir Isaac Brock, Tecumseh, Laura Secord, and Charles-Michel de Salaberry) honoring important historical figures who influenced the outcome of decisive battles for Canada .

In the autumn of 1813, Lieutenant-Colonel de Salaberry commanded a detachment of approximately 1,700 men, mainly Canadian Voltigeurs and Indigenous allies. Facing an estimated 3,000 to 4,000 Americans, he achieved a decisive victory at the Battle of Châteauguay on October 26, 1813, forcing the American troops to retreat and saving Montreal from a major invasion .

The mintage for this non-colored version is 6,250,000 coins . The specimen offered, 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". 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 frosted portrait)

The reverse, designed by artist Bonnie Ross (initials "BR" on the coin), features 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 peculiarity of this non-colored version lies in the frosted portrait of Charles-Michel de Salaberry, which stands out sharply against the finely chiseled and brighter field, producing a superb cameo effect highly prized by collectors . Below the silver band is the Government of Canada's War of 1812 logo, consisting of the date "1812" in old typography superimposed on a stylized maple leaf, with crossed ecru swords in the background . The inscription "25 cents" completes the reverse .

In MS-64 Choice +, all details of de Salaberry's portrait are perfectly sharp, with a full-border strike. The frosted finish is beautifully preserved, creating a striking contrast with the brilliant fields. The "Choice +" quality indicates a coin that surpasses the average MS-64 by 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 minuscule minor mark might be found under 10x magnification, but nothing significant. The fields are clear and distraction-free.

• Frosted Finish / Cameo: The frosted portrait of Charles-Michel de Salaberry is perfectly preserved, creating a striking aesthetic contrast with the brighter field. The cameo effect is particularly pronounced at this higher grade.

• Strike: Perfectly centered and full strike with all design details (portrait, silver band, 1812 logo, inscriptions) of exceptional sharpness.

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