Size Matters: Large Bust Vs. Small Bust 1973 Canadian Quarters

PCGS - Connoisseurs of Canadian coins know the coinage of the Great White North offers a wide range of interesting - sometimes rare - varieties. That's certainly the case with 1973 Canadian Quarters. Featured on these quarters is a one-year-only commemorative reverse design honoring the centennial of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), the law enforcement team often shorthanded "Mounties" and established in 1873 as the North West Mounted Police.



The Mounties are famous for their red uniforms and stately horses, the latter originally used as practical transport for the officers in a pre-automobile era. The mounted officers still serve a critical law enforcement role, though these days the horses are used almost exclusively in a role of pomp and pageantry. RCMP officers must earn the privilege to ride on the majestic black horses by serving at least two years of active duty. RCMP officers on horseback can be found standing sentinel in many gala events throughout Canada each year.

The iconic RCMP "Mounties" were handsomely honored on the reverse of the 1973 Canadian Quarter, which was struck for circulation to the tune of 134,958,587 pieces. The coin was a popular circulating commemorative, one of many the Royal Canadian Mint has struck over the years. And in the case of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Centennial Quarter, the reverse of which was designed and engraved by Paul Cedarberg, it became one of the more sought-after issues.

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