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The 2007 Canada 25 Cents Colorized Hummingbird coin (KM#707) is a special specimen-finish colorized coin issued by the Royal Canadian Mint as part of its "Wildlife" quarter series. Celebrated for its artistic beauty and intricate application of color, this coin features one of Canada’s most beloved avian species—the hummingbird—in a vibrant, natural setting. Struck in nickel-plated steel with a specimen (SP) finish and accented with multicolor enamel, this coin blends modern minting innovation with wildlife appreciation, appealing to both collectors of Canadian coinage and nature-themed issues.
The obverse of the coin features the familiar effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, designed by Canadian artist Susanna Blunt. Introduced in 2003, this mature portrait presents the Queen facing right without a crown, wearing a modest pearl necklace and earrings. The inscription “ELIZABETH II” appears to the left of the portrait, with “D·G·REGINA” to the right. The field is smooth and semi-matte, characteristic of the specimen finish, with subtle contrast between the polished relief of the Queen’s image and the satin-like background.
The reverse design is the central artistic highlight of the coin. It features a vividly colorized image of a ruby-throated hummingbird in mid-flight, with wings blurred to suggest rapid movement. The hummingbird hovers beside a red flower—likely a trumpet blossom—positioned slightly to the right, suggesting the bird is in the act of feeding. The use of selective coloring is masterful: the hummingbird’s green head and iridescent ruby throat stand out sharply against its gray-toned wings and body, while the flower’s rich red and yellow hues complete the visual composition. The remaining design elements, including the background, are rendered in frosted relief. Above the image appears the word “CANADA,” and the denomination “25 CENTS” is placed below, along with the year “2007.”
The coin is struck in nickel-plated steel and weighs 4.4 grams, with a diameter of 23.88 millimeters—standard dimensions for Canadian 25-cent pieces. It features a reeded edge and a specimen strike, meaning it was struck using specially prepared dies on planchets that yield a satin-finished field with frosted devices. The colorization process, applied after striking, uses durable enamel paint to ensure longevity and resistance to fading or flaking, provided the coin is properly stored.
This coin was issued as part of the Royal Canadian Mint’s 2007 specimen set and was also made available in individual collector packaging. The mintage was limited, with several thousand released as part of sets and a smaller quantity offered as standalone pieces. While not as rare as limited-edition silver or gold commemoratives, the 2007 colorized Hummingbird quarter remains sought after for its eye-catching design and early use of color application on circulating-size Canadian coins.
In Specimen (SP) condition, the coin maintains sharp detail, smooth surfaces, and full original luster. Specimen coins are struck more carefully than standard circulation coins but not to the full extent of proof coins, offering a quality that bridges everyday issues and high-end collector pieces. Collectors prize examples with intact color, no flaking or wear on the enameled surface, and no handling marks or blemishes on the fields.
The hummingbird design symbolizes agility, beauty, and endurance—all qualities that make the bird a favorite in Canadian gardens and a fitting subject for numismatic art. The ruby-throated hummingbird, which breeds in eastern Canada and migrates thousands of kilometers each year, is one of the few hummingbird species native to North America. Its appearance on the coin celebrates both Canadian biodiversity and the Mint’s commitment to producing coins that resonate culturally and environmentally.
The 2007 colorized quarter series, including the Hummingbird, was an early adopter of full-color application on circulating denominations, a technique that the Royal Canadian Mint would refine and expand in subsequent years. This makes the coin of particular interest to collectors of colorized coinage or those following the evolution of minting technologies. As one of the more aesthetically appealing entries in the Wildlife series, it also serves as an accessible introduction to collecting modern Canadian coins.
Collectors of Canadian wildlife themes, colorized issues, or Queen Elizabeth II-era coinage will find the 2007 Hummingbird quarter a desirable and rewarding addition. Its artistic design, combined with its limited distribution in specimen format, ensures continued interest and appreciation within the numismatic community. Properly preserved examples—especially those in their original mint packaging—maintain both their beauty and their collectible value over time.
In conclusion, the 2007 Canada 25 Cents KM#707 Specimen Colorized Hummingbird coin is a standout piece that reflects the Royal Canadian Mint’s innovation in both design and production. With its vibrant imagery, specimen-quality strike, and natural subject matter, it remains a favored item among collectors and a striking representation of Canadian wildlife on modern coinage.