25 Cents - Elizabeth II Whistling frog

Historical Context: Issued by Bermuda in 2014, this 25 Cents coin falls within the latter period of Queen Elizabeth II's extensive reign, a time when many Commonwealth territories increasingly produced thematic coinage celebrating unique local attributes. As a British Overseas Territory, Bermuda often features its distinct flora and fauna on currency. This issue, highlighting the endemic Whistling frog (Eleutherodactylus johnstonei), underscores Bermuda's commitment to showcasing its rich biodiversity and natural heritage, appealing to collectors and promoting environmental awareness.

Artistry: The design for the 2014 Whistling frog 25 Cents embodies a naturalistic and highly detailed artistic style, characteristic of modern commemorative issues focusing on wildlife. While a specific engraver's signature is not typically found on the coin itself for this series, the execution reflects the precision expected from mints commissioned for such Commonwealth designs. The frog's intricate skin texture, prominent eyes, and characteristic posture are rendered with biological accuracy, capturing the essence of the species within its Bermudian context, a hallmark of contemporary numismatic art.

Technical/Grading: Struck in copper-nickel with a substantial diameter of 38.61 mm, this coin's large surface area demands careful inspection for grading. Key high-points susceptible to wear or strike weakness on the reverse include the delicate raised texture of the frog's skin, the definition of its eyes, and the tips of its limbs. On the obverse, critical areas for detail retention on Queen Elizabeth II's effigy are the fine strands of hair, the intricate elements of her crown, and the high points of her cheekbone. Expansive fields are prone to distracting bag marks and hairlines, particularly on proof-like examples.