2017 Canada: 25 cents 125th Anniversary of the Stanley Cup
BU Quality (Brilliant Uncirculated) — Grade: MS-64 CHOICE
Coin Description
This commemorative 25-cent coin was issued in 2017 by the Royal Canadian Mint to mark the 125th anniversary of the Stanley Cup (1892-2017), one of the most iconic and coveted trophies in professional sports. The Stanley Cup, named after Lord Stanley of Preston, Governor General of Canada, has become the ultimate symbol of ice hockey supremacy, first in Canada and then throughout the National Hockey League .
The coin's design, by British Columbia artist Steve Hepburn, combines hockey from yesterday and today to mark this historic moment. The legendary trophy is the central element, surrounded by two hockey players, one wearing a vintage uniform, the other a modern uniform, evoking the rich history of the Stanley Cup .
This coin was unveiled at Rideau Hall by David Johnston, then Governor General of Canada, and Sandra Hanington, President of the Royal Canadian Mint . A limited mintage of 75,000 copies was produced in BU quality, making it a particularly sought-after coin by collectors . The offered 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 that era, the obverse is adorned with the maple leaf 🍁 at the bottom, a distinctive mark used since 2007. The legend "CANADA · ELIZABETH II D · G · REGINA" surrounds the royal bust, with the date "2017". For an MS-64 Choice grade, the original mint luster is brilliant, intense, and uniform across the entire surface. Contact marks are virtually absent to the naked eye, and nothing distracts the view.
The Reverse (Stanley Cup surrounded by two players)
The reverse, designed by artist Steve Hepburn, depicts the Stanley Cup surrounded by two players: on the left, a hockey player from yesteryear, and on the right, his modern counterpart. Together, they bear witness to the trophy's rich history. The bowl atop the Cup, instantly recognizable, eloquently recalls its origins . Also engraved on a banner on the reverse are the commemorative dates "1892" and "2017", the inscription "COUPE STANLEY CUP", and the inscription "125 YEARS / ANS" at the base of the trophy. In MS-64 Choice, all details of the Cup, players, and inscriptions are perfectly sharp, with a full-strike.
Technical Specifications
Condition: MS-64 CHOICE
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Luster: The original mint luster is brilliant, intense, and uniform across the entire surface.
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Surface: Contact marks are absent to the naked eye. The coin is uncirculated.
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Strike: Full strike with all design details (Cup, vintage and modern players, inscriptions) exceptionally sharp.
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Visual Appeal: An MS-64 Choice grade coin represents exceptional quality for this limited mintage commemorative issue.
