The most famous of the Canadian Gold coins is the Canadian Gold Maple Leaf, first issued by the Royal Canadian Mint in 1979. It was originally minted in 99.9% pure gold. Along with the South African Krugerrands, these two were the only pure gold bullion coins being minted at that time. The purity and weight of each gold coin are guaranteed by the Canadian Government and the Gold Maple Leaf is the official gold bullion coin of Canada. It is highly regarded for its purity and quality, and is particularly sought after by collectors and investors alike. Right now, the 1980 1 oz Canadian Gold Maple Leaf Coin is available for purchase online from JM Bullion.
Coin Highlights:
- Ships in a protective plastic flip!
- 2nd issue of the Canadian Gold Maple Leaf Coin!
- Contains 1 Troy oz of .999 pure gold.
- Has a face value of $50 (CAD) backed by the Canadian Government.
- Featured on the obverse is a profile of Queen Elizabeth II.
- Featured on the reverse is a large Maple Leaf.
The Royal Canadian Mint has issued the Canadian Gold Maple Leaf coins annually ever since their introduction in 1979. The first 4 years of the Gold Maple Leaf coins had them minted with a gold purity of 99.9% and available in only the 1 oz denomination. At the end of 1982, the RCM increased the coin’s gold purity to 99.99%, which made the Canadian Gold Maple Leaf the first bullion coin to have such high gold purity. And due to the consistency of their design and mintage, they are the standard by which other 24-karat gold bullion coins are judged.
In late 1982, along with the increased gold purity, the RCM began issuing the Gold Maple Leaf coins in 1/4 oz and 1/10 oz weights. These were later joined by a 1/2 oz weight in 1986 and a 1/20 oz weight in 1993. In 1994, the RCM tinkered with a 1/15 oz weight, however, it was issued only that one year. In 2014, a 1 gram weight was added. Each Canadian Gold Maple Leaf coin has a stated face value in Canadian Dollars and is considered legal tender.
The 1980 Canadian Gold Maple Leaf coin has an obverse that features the right-facing profile of Queen Elizabeth II. This profile reflects Her Majesty at 39 years of age. Upon her ascension to the throne of the United Kingdom in 1952, the obverse of all Canadian coinage has displayed various age-appropriate profiles of Her Majesty.
The 1980 Canadian Gold Maple Leaf coin has a reverse that features the beloved Maple Leaf. Designed by master engraver Walter Ott, this particular Maple Leaf was created for the RCM in 1979, to be used for all versions of the Canadian Maple Leaf coins. As the unofficial emblem of Canada, the Maple Leaf is a symbol of pride and nationalism for Canadians.
The Royal Canadian Mint was originally founded in Ottawa in 1908. To boost production capacity, a second facility was opened in Winnipeg in the 1980s. The RCM produces all of Canada’s circulation coins as well as manufactures the circulation coins of other nations.
Our JM Bullion Customer Service team will be happy to assist you with any questions you may have when buying gold. We can be reached via phone at 800-276-6508, online using our live chat, or via email.