25 Cents - Elizabeth II Whistling frog

Historical Context: Issued in 2014, this 25 Cents coin features Queen Elizabeth II, who reigned as Bermuda's head of state throughout its modern numismatic history. This era saw Bermuda, a British Overseas Territory, increasingly celebrating its unique natural heritage on coinage. The choice of the whistling frog (Eleutherodactylus johnstonei) highlights Bermuda's commitment to showcasing its endemic and native species, emphasizing environmental awareness and local identity on its currency, distinct from purely British imperial iconography.

Artistry: The obverse bears the familiar effigy of Queen Elizabeth II by Ian Rank-Broadley, a widely recognized portrait on Commonwealth coinage. The reverse, depicting the whistling frog, exemplifies modern naturalistic engraving. While the specific engraver for the reverse is often uncredited for such issues, the design skillfully captures the amphibian's characteristic posture and texture, suggesting a keen observation of its natural form. The stylistic school leans towards detailed realism, a common approach for wildlife series, ensuring immediate recognition and and aesthetic appeal.

Technical/Grading: Struck in copper-nickel, this substantial coin (28.28 g, 38.61 mm) offers ample surface for intricate detail. Key high-points for grading include the highest relief areas of Queen Elizabeth II's crown and hair on the obverse. On the reverse, critical areas for wear assessment are the frog's eyes, dorsal ridges, and the texture of its skin. A well-struck example will exhibit sharp definition in these features and crispness in the lettering, typical of proof or high-grade uncirculated modern issues, despite its relatively large size for a quarter dollar.