Obverse. Photo © NumisCorner.com
  • 25 Cents 1999, KM# 346, Canada, Elizabeth II, Third Millennium, May, The Voyageurs
  • 25 Cents 1999, KM# 346, Canada, Elizabeth II, Third Millennium, May, The Voyageurs
Description

To celebrate the new millennium, Canada created a two-year circulating commemorative program that was conducted in two parts: one in 1999 and one in 2000. Each program released 12 quarters per year and each featured a unique design.

The 1999 designs were meant to look back on Canada's past, honouring the development and achievements of the nation, while the 2000 designs depicting the hopes and dreams for the future of Canada. While the 1999 coins were labelled with their month of issue, the 2000 coins were labelled with the relevant theme.

Obverse

Depicts the third portrait of HM Queen Elizabeth II, when she was 64 years old, facing right, wearing the George IV State Diadem and surrounded by the inscription. This was the first to be designed by a Canadian, Dora de Pédery-Hunt.

The George IV State Diadem, officially the Diamond Diadem, is a type of crown that was made in 1820 for King George IV. The diadem is worn by queens and queens consort in procession to coronations and State Openings of Parliament. The piece of jewellery has been featured in paintings and on stamps and currency. It can be seen in the Queen's Gallery at Buckingham Palace.

Dei Gratia Regina (often abbreviated to D. G. Regina and seen as D·G·REGINA) is a Latin title meaning By the Grace of God, Queen.

Engraver: Dora de Pédery-Hunt

ELIZABETH II D • G • REGINA
25 CENTS

Reverse

Depicts a canoe containing a voyageur and two Indigenous men (aboriginal), travelled Canada's rivers by canoe to explore new lands and develop the fur trade, all surrounded by the inscription "CANADA" and the bilingual date: "May 1999".

Engraver: Sergiy Minenok

MAY 1999 MAI
SM
CANADA

Edge

25 Cents

3rd portrait
KM# 346 Schön# 327
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Circulating)
Material Nickel
Weight 5.05 g
Diameter 23.8 mm
Thickness 1.58 mm
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Royal Canadian Mint (RCM)

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