25 Cents - Elizabeth II 3rd portrait

Issuer Canada
Year 1990-2001
Type Standard circulation coin
Value 25 Cents
Currency Dollar (1858-date)
Composition Nickel
Weight 5.05 g
Diameter 23.88 mm
Thickness 1.58 mm
Shape Round
Technique Milled
Orientation Medal alignment ↑↑
Engraver(s) Obverse: Ago Aarand
Reverse: Emanuel Otto Hahn
In circulation to
Reference(s) KM#184, Schön#166
Obverse description Head of Queen Elizabeth II, as at 64 years of age, wearing the royal diadem, necklace, and earrings, facing right.
Obverse script Latin
Obverse lettering ELIZABETH II D·G·REGINA
(Translation: Elizabeth II Queen by the grace of God)
Reverse description A caribou with the denomination above, the date to the right, and the country name to the left
Reverse script Latin
Reverse lettering CANADA 1993 25 Cents H
Edge Reeded
Mint Royal Canadian Mint of Ottawa,Canada (1908-date)
W
Royal Canadian Mint of Winnipeg,Canada (1976-date)
Mintage 1990 - - 31 258 000
1990 - (C) Proof-like -
1990 - (C) Specimen -
1990 - Proof - 158 068
1991 - - 459 000
1991 - (C) Proof-like -
1991 - (C) Specimen -
1991 - Proof - 131 888
1993 - - 73 758 000
1993 - (C) Proof-like -
1993 - (C) Specimen -
1993 - *Removed this line* -
1993 - Proof - 143 065
1994 - - 77 670 000
1994 - (C) Brilliant uncirculated -
1994 - (C) Proof-like -
1994 - (C) Specimen -
1994 - Proof - 104 485
1995 - - 89 210 000
1995 - (C) Brilliant uncirculated -
1995 - (C) Proof-like -
1995 - (C) Specimen -
1995 - Proof - 101 560
1996 - - 28 216 000
1996 - (C) Proof-like -
1996 - (C) Specimen -
1997 - Prooflike -
1997 - Specimen -
1998 - Brilliant uncirculated -
1998 - Prooflike -
1998 - Specimen -
1998 W - Brilliant uncirculated -
1998 W - Prooflike -
1999 - Brilliant uncirculated -
1999 - Prooflike -
1999 - Specimen -
2000 - Brilliant uncirculated -
2000 - Prooflike -
2000 - Specimen -
2000 W - Brilliant uncirculated -
2000 W - Prooflike -
2001 - - 8 415 000
2001 - *Removed this line* -
Numisquare ID 1006159120
Additional information

Historical Context: The 25 Cents coin featuring Queen Elizabeth II's third effigy, issued by Canada from 1990 to 2001, represents a significant period in Canadian numismatic history. This era saw the nation solidify its identity while maintaining its strong ties to the Commonwealth. The continuous depiction of the reigning monarch on Canadian coinage underscores constitutional stability and the enduring legacy of the monarchy. This particular portrait reflects a more mature Queen, marking a visual progression from earlier, more youthful representations.

Artistry: The obverse design, a mature effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, was sculpted by Dora de Pédery-Hunt, a distinguished Hungarian-Canadian artist. Her work belongs to a modern realist school of portraiture, capturing the Queen with the Royal Diamond Diadem, facing right, conveying dignity and experience. The reverse, an enduring symbol of Canada, features the iconic caribou designed by Emanuel Hahn, first introduced in 1937. This classic rendition maintains its powerful and dynamic presence, harmonizing with the updated obverse.

Technical/Grading: Struck in nickel, the 25 Cents coin typically exhibits good detail. Key high-points for grading include the intricacies of the Queen's diadem, the strands of her hair above the ear, and the definition of her cheekbone on the obverse. On the reverse, collectors should examine the sharpest points of the caribou's antlers, the details of its fur, and the musculature of its shoulder. Well-struck examples will show full separation of the antler tines and crisp definition in the Queen's effigy, often retaining a satiny luster.

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