This unique and affordable 2020 25 cent
collection showcases five different finishes the Royal Canadian Mint
can apply to various coins. By using the well-known Caribou quarter
design, attention is drawn to the coin finish which differs on each
piece. The first three finishes shown include “Brilliant Uncirculated”
as used for business strikes and numismatic uncirculated sets, “Frosted
Proof” as appears in classic proof sets, and “Specimen” as appears in
modern RCM specimen sets. While 2020 quarters with these three finishes
may be possible to obtain in other collections, the set also includes
two more finishes which are not normally seen on the 25 cent
denomination. These are “Reverse Proof” and “Matte Proof”, and these
unique coins will likely be the most sought after in the collection.
The
different die polishing and coin striking techniques produce different
coin finishes, which change the way light reflects off a coin’s surface.
By creating the appearance of lighter (brilliant/shiny) and darker
(matte) tones, an engraver can add dimension, depth or new meaning to
any coin design – even a famous one like our caribou quarter. These are
the finishes you’ll find on Canada’s coins:
Brilliant Uncirculated (BU): All shine and no frosting (matte/textured engraving). The “hot off the press” look of a newly minted circulation coin.
Proof:
Like artwork on a mirror. Frosted relief (engraving) stands out against
a high-shine field (background). You’ll find this prestige finish on
most RCM collector coins.
Specimen:
A mix of frosted and high-shine engraving on a lined/matte background.
You’ll find this type of finish on our world-exclusive annual specimen
set.
Unique to this Collection (for 2020 Caribou Quarters):
Matte Proof: A
satin version of a Proof finish. The field still shines but it’s not as
reflective. This gives the coin a slightly more aged appearance.
Reverse Proof:
The opposite of Proof – a high-shine image on a matte background. Think
of it as a portrait with all the light focused on the subject.