Royal Canadian Mint 2007 Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games Biathlon 25-Cent Circulation Coin
Coin/Bullion (Circulation Coinage) · Royal Canadian Mint (RCM). Founded in 1908 in Ottawa, the RCM is world-renowned for high-quality minting techniques and is a Crown Corporation of Canada.
Pattern: Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games commemorative program; Biathlon design, introduced in 2007. Part of a 17-coin series featuring Olympic and Paralympic sports.
Type
Coin/Bullion (Circulation Coinage)
Maker
Royal Canadian Mint (RCM). Founded in 1908 in Ottawa, the RCM is world-renowned for high-quality minting techniques and is a Crown Corporation of Canada.
Material
Three-ply finish quaternary-plated steel (94.4% steel, 3.8% copper, 1.8% nickel plating). This item contains no silver content despite its 'silver-colored' metallic appearance.
Dimensions
Diameter: 23.88 mm; Weight: 4.4 grams; Thickness: 1.58 mm. This is the standard size for a Canadian quarter.
Description
A commemorative Canadian quarter celebrating the sport of Biathlon. The reverse shows a focused athlete aiming a rifle while on skis, framed by a large geometric maple leaf. The design captures the athleticism and precision of the Winter Games. It is a mass-produced circulation coin that allowed millions of Canadians to 'collect' a piece of Olympic history from their pocket change.
Key Features
The 'GG' initials of artist Glen Green; the large stylized maple leaf; the 25-cent denomination; the specific 2010 Olympic branding at the bottom.
Material & Composition
Three-ply finish quaternary-plated steel (94.4% steel, 3.8% copper, 1.8% nickel plating). This item contains no silver content despite its 'silver-colored' metallic appearance.
Finish & Decoration
Specimen or circulation finish with multi-level relief. Features a biathlete in action against a large maple leaf background and stylized trees. Engraved '25 cents', 'Vancouver 2010', 'GG' (artist initials), and 'TM/MC' (Olympic trademark).
Hallmarks & Stamps
Obverse (not shown) would feature Susanna Blunt's effigy of Queen Elizabeth II and the RCM 'P' or logo mint mark. Reverse features the 'GG' artist initials for Glen Green and the Vancouver 2010 Olympic logo mark.
Construction Details
Industrial die-struck coinage; machine-made using the RCM's proprietary multi-ply plating technology where steel is electroplated with layers of copper and then nickel.
Functional Features
Serrated (reeded) edge to prevent clipping; legal tender denomination of 25 cents. Used as a medium of exchange and a commemorative collectible.
Handle & Grip Details
Not applicable (coinage); reeded edge provided for tactile identification and to deter counterfeiting/filing.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial minting. While machine-made, the detail in the athlete's anatomy and the 'three-layer' plating process represents high-tech 21st-century coinage manufacturing.
Authentication Indicators
Correct die-struck relief patterns; standard RCM reeding; correct placement of GL initials and 'TM/MC' trademark. Weight and magnetism (it is magnetic due to the steel core) are key authenticators.
Origin & Manufacturing
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada (Royal Canadian Mint facility). The RCM is a global leader in plating technology and high-speed coin production.
Era & Period
Contemporary/Modern Era (2000-Present); Specifically minted to promote the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics.
Age Estimate
Dated 2007 (minted between March 2007 and February 2010). The specific Biathlon issue was released to circulation on March 15, 2007.
Cultural Significance
Represents Canada's pride as the host nation of the 21st Olympic Winter Games. These coins were designed to build national engagement leading up to the 2010 events.
Condition Notes
Very Good (VG) to Fine (F). Visible surface scratches, minor edge nicks, and significant 'pocket wear' or circulation tarnish/dirt typical of a coin used in daily transactions. Structural integrity is sound.
Value Estimate
Face value ($0.25 CAD). In circulated condition, it holds little premium. Uncirculated examples may sell for $1.00-$3.00 CAD to collectors.
Care & Maintenance
Do not clean or polish with silver cleaners as it has no silver content. Handle by the edges to avoid oils from fingers. Store in non-PVC coin flips to prevent 'green slime' or environmental oxidation.
Similar Pieces
2007-2010 Vancouver Olympic 25-cent coins for other sports (Alpine Skiing, Hockey, etc.); Sterling silver (.925) proof versions of the same design (which include a certificate of authenticity and specific hallmarks).
Interesting Facts
This was the first coin in the Vancouver 2010 circulation program. The Royal Canadian Mint produced 22,100,000 of the Biathlon 25-cent coins without color.