Obverse

Reverse

25 Cents

Canadian 25 Cents (Quarter) - Elizabeth II (Caribou Series)

Canada · 1959

A silver quarter featuring the early portrait of Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse and a head of a caribou on the reverse.

Country: Canada
Year: 1959
Denomination: 25 Cents
Metal: 0.800 silver, 0.200 copper

This report is AI-generated and can be wrong. Always verify grade, authenticity, and value with a qualified dealer or certified grading service before buying, selling, or insuring.

Identified September 8, 2026More canada coins →

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Overview

A silver quarter featuring the early portrait of Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse and a head of a caribou on the reverse.

Historical significance

Issued during the post-WWII economic expansion in Canada, this coin represents the pre-1967 era when Canadian circulating coins contained 80% silver before transitioning to nickel.

Obverse (front)

The young, uncrowned bust of Queen Elizabeth II facing right, surrounded by the Latin legend 'ELIZABETH II DEI GRATIA REGINA'.

Reverse (back)

The head of a woodland caribou with impressive antlers, designed by Emanuel Hahn. The legend 'CANADA', the year '1959', and the denomination '25 Cents' are displayed around the field.

Estimated value

$5 - $8 (melt value plus slight numismatic premium in circulated condition)

What drives this coin's value

Silver melt price, overall grade/condition, and presence of original mint luster or attractive toning.

Grade assessment

About Uncirculated (AU) to Mint State (MS) with noticeable golden-gray toning and minor contact marks.

Mintage & rarity

Common (Mintage of 28,154,670 for the 1959 issue)

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Check the weight (5.83g), test with a magnet (silver is non-magnetic), and verify the reeded edge and clear details of the caribou.

Notable varieties & errors

Various minor double punch or die crack errors exist for the 1959 quarter series, though major recognized varieties are scarce.

Similar coins

Other Canadian quarters from the Elizabeth II young head series (1953-1964) and George VI quarters.

Care & preservation

Handle by the edges using clean hands or cotton gloves. Store in a cool, dry environment in a PVC-free coin flip or holder. Do not clean the coin, as harsh cleaning destroys its numismatic value.

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