The Royal Canadian Mint was founded in Ottawa in 1908. Initially, as a trial project to transform Canadian gold, the RCM introduced the first Canadian Gold Maple Leaf coin in 1979. They are the official gold bullion coin of Canada, considered legal tender, and are highly regarded for their purity and quality. It is because of the consistency of their design and mintage that the Gold Maple Leafs are regarded as the standard by which other 24-karat gold bullion coins are judged. Sold as a collectible item, this Proof coin has a mirrored background and a frosted relief. This 1989 1 oz Proof Canadian Gold Maple Leaf Coin, in Box and with COA, is currently available for purchase online from JM Bullion.
Coin Highlights:
- Each coin is in its original box from the RCM!
- Each coin has its Certificate of Authenticity!
- 11th issue of the Canadian Gold Maple Leaf Coin.
- Contains 1 Troy oz of .9999 pure gold.
- Face value of $50 (CAD) backed by the Canadian government.
- Obverse design features Queen Elizabeth II.
- Reverse design features the Maple Leaf.
The obverse of the 1989 Gold Maple Leaf features the right-facing profile of Queen Elizabeth II. This 2nd generation version of Her Majesty captures her as a 39-year-old and was created by British coin designer Arnold Machin. This is the final year that Machin’s version of Her Majesty appears on the Gold Maple Leaf coin. Since Her Majesty ascended to the throne in 1952, all Canadian coinage has featured one of the several versions of Queen Elizabeth II.
The reverse of the 1989 Gold Maple Leaf features the unofficial emblem of Canada – the beloved Maple Leaf. RCM master engraver Walter Ott created this particular design of the Maple Leaf in 1979. Canadians have long considered the Maple Leaf to be a symbol of their pride and nationalism.
First minted in 1979 by the RCM, the Gold Maple Leaf has been issued annually ever since. From 1979 through 1982, Gold Maple Leaf coins were minted in 99.9% pure gold. The Gold Maple Leaf coins minted from November 1982 through the present have been minted in 99.99% pure gold, making them the first bullion coin to have such high gold purity. The RCM increased the coin’s gold purity to 99.999% in 2007, not wanting to be outdone by other mints.
When first minted, the Gold Maple Leaf was available only in the 1 oz denomination. The RCM added the 1/4 oz and 1/10 oz denominations in 1982, the 1/2 oz denomination in 1986, and the 1/20 oz denomination in 1993. The RCM experimented with a 1/15 oz denomination in 1994, however, the lack of demand for this unique size led to its not being issued again. With a mintage limited to just 7,500 coins, the RCM issued the 1/25 oz Maple Leaf in 2015 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Canadian Flag.
If you have any questions when you buy gold, please contact our JM Bullion Customer Service team and we will gladly assist you. We can be reached via phone at 800-276-6508, online via our live chat, or via email.