Royal Canadian Mint Elizabeth II 1/4 oz Silver Bullion Coin
Coin/Bullion · Royal Canadian Mint (RCM). Founded in 1908, the RCM is a Crown corporation of Canada known globally for producing high-purity precious metals and innovative security features.
Pattern: Canadian Silver Wildlife or Flora series (obverse shown). The obverse features the Susanna Blunt effigy of Queen Elizabeth II.
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
Royal Canadian Mint (RCM). Founded in 1908, the RCM is a Crown corporation of Canada known globally for producing high-purity precious metals and innovative security features.
Material
.9999 Fine Silver (Four-Niners). This is one of the highest purity levels available in the silver market, containing virtually no base metal alloys.
Dimensions
Diameter approx 20mm; Weight 7.77 grams (0.25 troy ounces). Note: This is a fractional bullion size.
Description
A stunning fractional silver bullion coin featuring the refined effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. This piece represents the pinnacle of modern minting, combining investment-grade .9999 silver with the artistic heritage of the Canadian monarchy. Encapsulated to preserve its brilliant luster, it is both a portable store of wealth and a numismatic tribute.
Key Features
Radial line security background, .9999 purity stamp, Susanna Blunt 'un-crowned' portrait, and protective acrylic encapsulation.
Material & Composition
.9999 Fine Silver (Four-Niners). This is one of the highest purity levels available in the silver market, containing virtually no base metal alloys.
Finish & Decoration
Specimen or Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) finish. Features a frosted relief of the Queen's profile against a radial line background (a modern RCM security feature) or a mirror-like field.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Stamped on obverse: 'ELIZABETH II' and 'D.G. REGINA' (Dei Gratia Regina - By the Grace of God, Queen). Reverse (not shown) would include 'CANADA', weight '1/4 OZ', and purity 'FINE SILVER 9999 ARGENT PUR'.
Construction Details
Machine-struck/Die-struck at the Ottawa or Winnipeg mint using high-pressure industrial presses on prepared silver planchets.
Functional Features
Legal tender value (likely 1 or 2 Canadian Dollars); reed edges for tamper-resistance; radial lines for light-diffracting security.
Handle & Grip Details
Not applicable (coin). Currently housed in a protective acrylic airtight capsule to prevent oxidation.
Craftsmanship Details
Exceptional industrial craftsmanship; laser-engraved dies provide micro-text and light-refracting details that are nearly impossible to counterfeit.
Authentication Indicators
Precision of the radial lines, clarity of the lettering, and the 'frosted' finish on the Queen’s hair consistent with RCM laser-pulsed die technology.
Origin & Manufacturing
Canada; produced by the Royal Canadian Mint, a world leader in silver refinement and minting technologies.
Era & Period
Contemporary/Modern Era (2003-2023). Based on the Susanna Blunt portrait of the Queen without a crown.
Age Estimate
Circa 2015-2022. The Susanna Blunt portrait was used extensively during this late-reign period for the Wildlife and Arctic series.
Cultural Significance
Represents Canada's status as a constitutional monarchy and its prominence in the global mining and precious metals refining industries.
Condition Notes
Choice Uncirculated/Gem BU. The surface appears free of milk spots (a common RCM issue), scratches, or rim dings. Grade: Excellent.
Value Estimate
$10 - $20 USD. Value is tied to the current silver spot price plus a 'fractional premium' which is higher per ounce than standard 1 oz coins.
Care & Maintenance
Keep in the provided acrylic capsule. Avoid handling with bare hands as skin oils cause 'milk spots' or tarnish. Store in a cool, dry place.
Similar Pieces
1/4 oz Armenian Noah's Ark, 1/4 oz Australian Lunar Series, or standard 1 oz Silver Maple Leaf (larger).
Interesting Facts
The Royal Canadian Mint was the first to hit the .9999 purity standard for silver bullion coins, setting a new global benchmark for investors.