2018 Canada: 25 cents Caribou
BU Quality (Brilliant Uncirculated) — Grade: MS-65 GEM
Coin Description
This 2018 25-cent coin belongs to the long line of caribou 25-cent coins, an emblematic design introduced in 1937. In 2018, the caribou continues its undisputed reign on Canadian 25-cent coins, with its maple leaf prominently displayed on the obverse. The composition is copper-plated steel (94% steel, 3.8% copper, 2.2% nickel), a standard for circulation coins of this era.
What makes this particular example exceptional is its MS-65 GEM grade. For a common circulation coin, achieving this level of preservation is extremely rare. The vast majority of 2018 25-cent coins have been circulated or show signs of handling. A GEM grade means that this coin has survived without a single visible mark, with a perfectly preserved luster—a true treasure for collectors seeking ultimate quality in modern coins.
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 of this period, 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 "2018". For an MS-65 GEM grade, the original mint luster is dazzling, remarkably intense and perfectly uniform across the entire surface. Contact marks are totally absent to the naked eye, and even under 10x magnification, only minuscule microscopic imperfections can be detected.
The Reverse (Caribou)
The reverse features the classic caribou design, created by Emanuel Hahn and used since 1937. The animal's head, an emblematic symbol of Canadian currency, is surrounded by the inscription "CANADA", the value "25 CENTS", and the year "2018". In MS-65 GEM, all details of the antlers, fur, eye, and contours are astonishingly sharp, with a full strike. The "GEM" quality indicates a coin of exceptional beauty that stands out significantly from lower grades due to its perfect balance, impeccable presentation, and almost complete absence of marks.
Technical Specifications
Condition: MS-65 GEM
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Luster: The original mint luster is dazzling, remarkably intense, and perfectly uniform over 100% of the surface.
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Surface: Contact marks are totally absent to the naked eye. The fields are impeccably clear, without any visual distractions.
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Strike: Perfectly centered and full strike with all design details exceptionally sharp.
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Eye Appeal: An MS-65 GEM grade coin represents the ne plus ultra for a circulation coin of this type. It is an exceptional coin, of rare beauty, that will find its place in the finest collections.
