2005 Canadian Caribou 25-Cent Quarter
Coin/Bullion · Royal Canadian Mint (RCM). Founded in 1908, the RCM is world-renowned for high-quality minting and serves as the official producer of Canada's circulation and collector coinage.
Pattern: Standard Circulation Caribou Reverse. This iconic design by Emanuel Hahn was first introduced in 1937 and remains the primary motif for the Canadian quarter.
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
Royal Canadian Mint (RCM). Founded in 1908, the RCM is world-renowned for high-quality minting and serves as the official producer of Canada's circulation and collector coinage.
Material
Triple-ply finish steel (nickel plated steel with copper core). Unlike pre-1968 Canadian quarters which contained silver (.800 or .500), this 2005 issue contains 0% silver content.
Dimensions
Diameter: 23.88 mm; Weight: 4.4 grams; Thickness: 1.58 mm.
Description
A standard Canadian 25-cent piece featuring the classic Caribou design on the reverse. This piece represents the workhorse of Canadian currency, showcasing the nation's wildlife heritage within a durable, modern alloy construction. While it lacks precious metal content, it remains a staple of Canadian numismatic history.
Key Features
The distinctive Emanuel Hahn caribou design; the '2005' date; and the lack of a 'P' or logo (if the non-magnetic variety) or the presence of one (if magnetic).
Material & Composition
Triple-ply finish steel (nickel plated steel with copper core). Unlike pre-1968 Canadian quarters which contained silver (.800 or .500), this 2005 issue contains 0% silver content.
Finish & Decoration
Satin circulation finish. The reverse features a caribou head in profile with antlers, flanked by the year '2005' and '25 Cents'. The edge is reeded.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The 'P' mint mark or RCM logo (depending on specific variety) below the Queen's effigy on the obverse indicates the composition. The reverse features the country name 'CANADA'.
Construction Details
Machine-struck/Die-struck using high-speed industrial coin presses. The multi-ply plating process involves electroplating nickel and copper over a steel core.
Functional Features
Reeded edge for tactile identification and to deter clipping; legal tender denomination for commerce.
Handle & Grip Details
Not applicable; the coin features a standard circular rim for industrial handling and stacking.
Craftsmanship Details
Precision-engineered industrial minting. Excellent symmetry and detail in the caribou's fur and antlers, despite being mass-produced by the millions.
Authentication Indicators
Clear, crisp strike characteristic of RCM dies; correct diameter and weight; magnetism (should be magnetic due to steel core).
Origin & Manufacturing
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada (Royal Canadian Mint facility).
Era & Period
Modern Era (Elizabeth II). Struck during the transition period of Canadian coinage materials to the multi-ply plated steel standard.
Age Estimate
Dated 2005. Produced 19 years ago.
Cultural Significance
The quarter is the most used denomination in Canada for vending and parking; the caribou has become an unofficial national symbol through its presence on this coin for over 80 years.
Condition Notes
Circulated condition (VF-XF range). Visible surface scratches, minor bag marks, and light tarnish/grime consistent with everyday use in commerce. No significant structural damage.
Value Estimate
Face value: $0.25 CAD. Market value for a circulated specimen is exactly face value; uncirculated specimens may carry a slight premium of $1-2 to collectors.
Care & Maintenance
No special care required for circulation coins; avoid cleaning or polishing if collecting, as this removes the original luster and lowers numismatic value.
Similar Pieces
1967 Centennial Quarter (Lynx design); 1973 RCMP Centennial Quarter; 2005 Alberta or Saskatchewan Centennial quarters.
Interesting Facts
The caribou design was originally controversial as some critics in 1937 thought the animal looked too much like a reindeer from a Christmas card rather than a wild Canadian caribou.