Coinsandcanada.com

I have no idea what this is. It seems to be remnants of a poppy, although there weren't supposed to be poppy quarters in 2005. It doesn't seem to be dirt, it seems like it is part of the coin. Somewhat embedded although the middle of the 'poppy' seems to be raised or have a slight knob. Can anyone please shed some insight? Thank you

I have seen that once before. Not sure if it was the same coin or a different one.
Anyhow, whatever or whoever caused it, was done after the coin was minted
so it is not an error. Maybe someone was trying to create their own "Poppy Coin"

Looks to me like the surface plating was damaged enough to allow moisture and possibly chemical to start the steel center of the coin to rust. Remember the P mark on the coin stands for plating