Year 2000 Canadian Millenium Quarter - Pride/Fierté
Coin/Bullion · Royal Canadian Mint (RCM), founded in 1908 in Ottawa, known for high-quality numismatic and bullion products.
Pattern: Millennium Quarters Collection, January 2000 'Pride' issue, designed by Donald F. Warkentin.
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
Royal Canadian Mint (RCM), founded in 1908 in Ottawa, known for high-quality numismatic and bullion products.
Material
Nickel-plated steel (94.17% steel, 3.75% copper, 2.08% nickel plating). This is the standard circulation version, not the silver proof version.
Dimensions
Diameter: 23.88 mm; Thickness: 1.58 mm; Weight: 4.4 grams.
Description
A commemorative Canadian twenty-five cent piece issued in January 2000 to celebrate the new millennium. The reverse design by Donald F. Warkentin represents Canadian pride through a trio of maple leaves wrapped in a flowing banner, symbolizing national unity and identity.
Key Features
Bilingual inscription; stylized triple maple leaf design; artist initials 'DFW' located at the 4 o'clock position.
Material & Composition
Nickel-plated steel (94.17% steel, 3.75% copper, 2.08% nickel plating). This is the standard circulation version, not the silver proof version.
Finish & Decoration
Specimen-like circulation finish with die-struck relief. Features a stylized maple leaf with a banner; includes the bilingual text 'PRIDE' and 'FIERTÉ'.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped '2000', 'CANADA', and 'DFW' (artist initials). Obverse (not shown) features the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II.
Construction Details
Industrial die-struck coin, produced on high-speed minting presses with nickel plating over a steel core.
Functional Features
Serrate/reeded edge for security; legal tender in Canada with a face value of 25 cents.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A - Circular coin form designed for handheld tactile exchange and machine compatibility.
Craftsmanship Details
High-precision mass production; crisp die-striking results in clear detail even after two decades of circulation.
Authentication Indicators
Correct font/typography for the RCM; precise reeding on the edge; characteristic luster of nickel-plated steel for this period.
Origin & Manufacturing
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; Royal Canadian Mint facility.
Era & Period
Millennium Era (2000), celebrated through a 12-month commemorative coin series.
Age Estimate
Dated 2000; exactly 24 years old at the time of this assessment.
Cultural Significance
Represents Canada's entrance into the 21st century and highlights the bilingual nature of Canadian heritage and national pride.
Condition Notes
Very Good to Extremely Fine. Shows minor circulation scratches and surface wear; light tarnish/patina visible in the recesses.
Value Estimate
Face value ($0.25 CAD) to $1.50 CAD for uncirculated examples. This specific circulated piece is worth face value.
Care & Maintenance
Avoid acidic cleaners. Store in non-PVC flips or capsules to prevent 'green slime' degradation. Handled by the edges to avoid fingerprint oils.
Similar Pieces
1999 Millennium Series Quarters (different designs); 2000 Proof Silver Millennium Quarters (92.5% silver, identifying 'S' mark).
Interesting Facts
The Millennium series was the result of a national design contest involving over 66,000 entries from the Canadian public.