The Canadian Gold Maple Leaf Bullion Coin was introduced by the Royal Canadian Mint in 1979 as an annual coin sold for investment purposes. At that time, the only one ounce gold bullion coin available was the South African Krugerrand.

As one of the world's oldest and most widely held investment coins, the Gold Maple Leaf series has experienced several option updates since their premier. For instance, the Maple Leaf's were originally struck in 99.9% gold and only in a 1 oz size. Today the coins are minted from 99.99% fine, 24 carat gold. They may also be purchased in fractional sizes of 1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, 1/10 oz, or 1/20 oz, with respective Canadian dollar face values of $50, $20, $10, $5 and $1.

Each 24 carat gold Maple Leaf is considered legal tender of Canada. They are also guaranteed by the Government of Canada for weight and purity.

Their popularity resulted in the creation of the same-designed, Canadian Silver Maple Leaf Bullion Coin, in 1988.

Obverse Design

The obverse or heads side of the coin features a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, and includes the inscriptions "ELIZABETH II", the value in "DOLLARS" and year of issue.

Reverse Design

The reverse or tails side of the bullion coin depicts an incredibly detailed maple leaf, which is Canada's national emblem. "CANADA" is inscribed at the top, "9999" to the left and right of the leaf, and the words 'FINE GOLD", the size in "OZ" and "OR PUR" underneath it.

Gold Maple Leaf Coin Specifications

Mint: Royal Canadian Mint Mintmark: N/A Finish/Condition: BU Metal Content: 99.99% gold (24-karat) Weight:31.150 g; 15.584 g; 7.797 g; 3.131 g; 1.581 g Diameter:30 mm; 25 mm; 20 mm; 16 mm; 14.1 mm Thickness:2.87 mm; 2.23 mm; 1.78 mm; 1.13 mm; .92 mm Edge: Reeded Issue Date: 1979 - current Mintage Limit: Demand driven Face Value: CAN $50, $20, $10, $5, $1 Obverse Designer: O. Schultz Reverse Designer: C.L. Steynberg

 

Maple Leaf Auctions

Coin Resources

• Mint website