Canadian Year 2000 Millennium Celebration Quater (July - Celebration)
Coin/Bullion · Royal Canadian Mint (RCM), founded in 1908 in Ottawa, known for high-quality numismatic and bullion products.
Pattern: Millennium 24-Coin Series (July 2000 issue)
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
Royal Canadian Mint (RCM), founded in 1908 in Ottawa, known for high-quality numismatic and bullion products.
Material
Nickel (circulation version); note: This is not a silver coin, but a cupro-nickel circulation piece. Proof versions were made in .925 Sterling Silver.
Dimensions
Diameter: 23.88 mm; Weight: 4.4 grams (for the nickel version); 0.21 inches thick.
Description
A commemorative Canadian quarter part of a 12-month series issued in 2000 to celebrate the millennium. This 'July' issue represents 'Celebration' with dynamic imagery of fireworks bursting over people.
Key Features
Unique 'LP' designer initials; specific 'Celebration' motif; commemorative dual-date '2000' on the reverse instead of the obverse.
Material & Composition
Nickel (circulation version); note: This is not a silver coin, but a cupro-nickel circulation piece. Proof versions were made in .925 Sterling Silver.
Finish & Decoration
Circulated satin finish; decorative reverse features fireworks, a maple leaf, and the word CELEBRATION by designer Laura Paxson.
Hallmarks & Stamps
RCM 'P' plated mark or 'Maple Leaf' mint mark (on obverse, not visible); Reverse features 'CELEBRATION 2000', 'CANADA', and designer initials 'LP'.
Construction Details
Typical high-speed coinage: die-struck using mechanical hydraulic presses on pre-cut planchets with a reeded edge.
Functional Features
Reeded edge for anti-counterfeiting; legal tender status of 25 Cents in Canada.
Handle & Grip Details
Not applicable (coin form).
Craftsmanship Details
Machine-perfected relief with consistent strike; reflects the RCM's transition to multi-ply plated steel and high-efficiency nickel striking.
Authentication Indicators
Authentic RCM typography; distinct reeded edge; correct weight-to-diameter ratio; consistent die-strike depth for the 2000 series.
Origin & Manufacturing
Ottawa or Winnipeg, Canada; Royal Canadian Mint facilities using automated modern minting technology.
Era & Period
Modern Era; specifically the Millennium Jubilee period of the late 90s and early 2000s.
Age Estimate
Produced in late 1999 or early 2000; exactly 24 years old as of 2024.
Cultural Significance
Reflects national optimism and the global cultural phenomenon of the 'Y2K' and Millennium transitions.
Condition Notes
Circulated condition; moderate surface scratches, light tarnish/patina from handling, and minor rim dings. Grade: Very Good (VG-8 to F-12).
Value Estimate
Face value ($0.25 CAD) to $1.00 USD for circulated examples; Silver proof versions can range from $15 to $25 USD.
Care & Maintenance
Do not clean or polish with abrasives as it destroys numismatic value; store in ACID-FREE plastic flips or capsules; handle by the edges only.
Similar Pieces
1999 Millennium Series Quarters (different designs); Silver Proof version of the same coin (higher mirror-like finish and .925 purity).
Interesting Facts
This was part of the first-ever 24-month commemorative series (1999 and 2000) which successfully engaged a whole generation of Canadian coin collectors.