Canadian Maple Leaf Coin
What is the Canadian Maple Leaf coin?
In 1979, the Royal Canadian Mint produced a 1 oz coin called the ‘Canadian Maple Leaf.’ The first coin was worth $50, at face value. The Canadian government continues to issue them each year; the coins are made of 24 karat pure gold.
From 1979 to 1982, the coin was released in 99.9% purity. Then, a few years later, after its debut, the coin was made in 99.99% purity.
Coin Highlights
- Contains 1 ozt gold
- .9999 24-karat purity
- Eligible for precious metals IRA
The coin’s design
In design, from 1979 to 1989, the coin features a 39-year-old Queen Elizabeth on the obverse and, on the reverse, a maple leaf. Then, in 1990, the design was changed. From 1990 to 2004, the coin features a 64-year-old Queen Elizabeth on the obverse, while the reverse remains the same with a maple leaf. The coin was changed again in 2005, now depicting a 79-year-old Queen Elizabeth.
Denominations of the Canadian Maple Leaf coin:
Although the most popular coin is 1 ounce, it’s also made in several other sizes, including:
- ½ ounce with $20 face value
- ¼ ounce with $10 face value
- 1/10 ounce with $5 face value
- 1/20 ounce with $1 face value
Additional Coins
Commemorative Coins
The Royal Canadian Mint makes commemorative gold coins in various sizes. First issued in 2007, the commemorative Maple leaf is composed of a .99999 fine gold. Also, there is a 1 oz gold wildlife series that includes the following animal likenesses: cougar, elk, eagle, grizzly bear, and wolf. There’s also a ¼ oz gold wildlife series, which includes the likenesses of an arctic fox, white falcon, and polar bear; there are also additional animals in the ¼ oz gold wildlife series.
$1-Million Coin
In May of 2007, the Royal Canadian Mint unleashed the “Big Maple Leaf” Gold Maple Leaf coin valued at $1 million (face value), with a metal value of more than $5 million. In diameter, the medallion measures at 50 cm and is 3 cm thick; its mass is 100 kg. The coin’s purity is 99.999% and was made of the finest gold bullion ever refined.
In 2017, one of six coins on view at the Bode Museum in Berlin, Germany was stolen and still has not been found. Police assume the piece was melted down for its gold content. An article in Canada’s MacLean talks about the brazen heist.
New security features on Canadian Maple Leaf
Enhanced security features were added to the Canadian Maple Leaf in 2013 and 2015.
In 2013, the coin’s producers added a textured maple leaf on the reverse side of the coin. This security feature was created using a laser micro-engraving tool. The security component comes into play with a small marking denoting the year the coin was issued. This feature is only visible under a magnifying glass.
In 2015, radial lines were added to the background of the coin, on both the obverse and reverse.
How many karats is the Canadian Maple Leaf?
The Canadian Maple Leaf coin is made of 24 karat gold and has an original face value of $50 CAD. Like most other coins of this nature, the value of the Canadian Maple Leaf fluctuates. It’s price depends on the current spot price of gold and the worldwide demand for gold bullion coins. It is minted each year by the Royal Canadian Mint in a bullion and proof version.
Customer Testimonial
Can you buy Canadian Maple Leaf coins?
Yes. When purchasing a Gold Canadian Maple Leaf coin, you’re buying one full ounce of real, .9999 fine gold. This is the most important thing to consider – the purity and the content of the precious metal. Canada, by way of the Royal Canadian Mint, introduced the Maple Leaf as its official gold coin. Since its debut, the coin has been marketed toward investors, coin hobbyists, and numismatists. It is considered valuable for its precious metal content, but also because of its collectability. The underlying value of the coin is closer pegged to gold bullion than to collectable vintage coins, though.
These coins are very popular with collectors everywhere. As always, when purchasing coins it’s important to work with a reputable dealer who has the correct paperwork and knowledge to understand what they’re working with.
Choose Crown Gold Exchange
Crown Gold Exchange holds the utmost respect for you and your valuables. When you visit one of our locations, we make sure that you feel welcome, and that your property is protected. We use industry-standard equipment to ensure accurate measurement of your valuables, and we have a special process to keep your valuables safe. Our accuracy enables us to offer you top dollar, and we have several different payment methods available for your convenience, so you won’t be waiting around to get paid.
Crown Gold Exchange will purchase any kind of gold you bring us, including 8-karat, 10-karat, 14-karat, 18-karat, 21-karat, 22-karat, 24-karat, or anything else. We buy gold bars, gold bullion, gold jewelry and some gold plated items like pocket watches. If you happen to be in possession of an exclusive piece made by a top gold designer such as Cartier, Tiffany, Rolex, or Patek Philippe, we will often pay more than the weight of the item. Such special pieces often command a higher price on the secondary market due to their superior craftsmanship.