Royal Canadian Mint 2016 Caribou 25-Cent Circulation Coin
Coin/Bullion · Royal Canadian Mint (RCM), founded 1908 in Ottawa, Canada. Noted for high-purity precious metal production and innovative circulation coinage.
Pattern: Standard Circulation Series, Caribou Reverse Design by Emanuel Hahn (first introduced in 1937)
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
Royal Canadian Mint (RCM), founded 1908 in Ottawa, Canada. Noted for high-purity precious metal production and innovative circulation coinage.
Material
Multi-ply plated steel (94.4% Steel, 3.8% Copper, 1.8% Nickel plating). This is not silver, despite its silver-colored appearance.
Dimensions
Diameter: 23.88 mm; Thickness: 1.58 mm; Weight: 4.4 grams.
Description
A classic piece of Canadian numismatic history, this 25-cent piece features the majestic caribou, a symbol of Canada's vast wilderness. While silver-toned, it represents the modern transition to plated steel. The obverse displays the mature portrait of Queen Elizabeth II.
Key Features
Emanuel Hahn's caribou design; 2016 date; multi-ply plated steel composition; Susanna Blunt's portrait of HRM Elizabeth II.
Material & Composition
Multi-ply plated steel (94.4% Steel, 3.8% Copper, 1.8% Nickel plating). This is not silver, despite its silver-colored appearance.
Finish & Decoration
Specimen or circulation strike with a reeded edge. Features the iconic profile of a caribou and the 2016 Elizabeth II Effigy (Type IV) by Susanna Blunt.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The coin features the 'RCM' logo (a maple leaf within a circle) below the Queen's effigy, indicating the mint of origin.
Construction Details
Industrial die-struck and minted through a multi-layer plating process where a steel core is electroplated with copper and nickel.
Functional Features
Legal tender currency for the nation of Canada with a face value of twenty-five cents.
Handle & Grip Details
None (standard flat coinage).
Craftsmanship Details
Precision high-speed striking; the relief is crisp and the reeding is consistent, typical of the RCM's world-class quality standards.
Authentication Indicators
Correct 2016 typography; standard RCM maple leaf logo stamp; distinct reeded edge; magnetic (indicating steel core).
Origin & Manufacturing
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada (primary facility for Canadian circulation coinage).
Era & Period
Modern Era / Contemporary (Elizabeth II Reign). The caribou design reflects art deco influences of the late 1930s.
Age Estimate
Dated 2016; approximately 8 years old at time of analysis.
Cultural Significance
Represents Canadian national identity and the wildlife of the North; a staple of daily commerce in North America.
Condition Notes
Appears to be in circulated condition with copper-colored toning/oxidation likely due to environmental exposure or lighting; surface shows light contact marks. Grade: Very Good (Circulated).
Value Estimate
Face value ($0.25 CAD). If in Mint State (MS-65+), it may carry a small premium to collectors ($1-$5 CAD).
Care & Maintenance
Avoid acidic cleaners; do not polish if collecting for numismatic value; store in a dry, PVC-free environment to prevent further oxidation.
Similar Pieces
1967 Centennial Quarter (Silver), 1968 Quarter (transitioned from Silver to Nickel), and various commemorative 'painted' quarters.
Interesting Facts
The caribou design has been on the Canadian quarter since 1937, with only a few exceptions for commemorative years like 1967 and 2017.