But, to count the number of beads will make you cross-eyed after awhile so we highly recommend that you not do this! Instead, the easier way to identify the difference is by simply looking at how close the beading is to the edge or rim of the coin. Some reference books may refer to them as Large Bust (132 beads) and Small Bust (120 beads). One way to tell them apart is by the circle of beads surrounding the design. A new design with a smaller bust of Queen Elizabeth II was to be used but some coins were minted with an older obverse die giving way to a large bust variety. These varieties exist due to two different obverse dies that were used.
The hair on the (small bust) piece shows more detail than the hair on the (large bust) piece.īeing a 1 year type coin one would not expect any major varieties to exist but one does. These variations are somewhat noticeable in the Queen's hair. There are very slight variations between them. Type 3 Nickel Queen with Tiara: 1968 to 1972, & 1974 to 1989ġ973 Canadian 25 Cent Small vs Large Bust According to the Royal Canadian Mint, the official name for the coin is the 25-cent piece, but in practice and from American influence, it is usually called a quarter.Ĭanada: 1953-Present Elizabeth II Caribou 25 Cents It is a small, circular coin of silver colour. The quarter is a Canadian coin, valued at 25 cents or one-fourth of a Canadian dollar. 1968-1978 - Elizabeth II - Canadian Quarter
