The Royal Canadian Mint, originally founded in Ottawa in 1908, produces all of Canada’s circulation coins. In 1979, the RCM introduced the first Canadian Gold Maple Leaf coin, initially as a trial project to transform Canadian gold. These coins are still issued annually today. The Gold Maple Leaf is the official gold bullion coin of Canada, and is highly regarded for its purity and quality. Right now, the 2011 1 oz Canadian Gold Maple Leaf Coin is available for purchase online from JM Bullion.
Coin Highlights:
- Arrives in a protective plastic flip!
- 33rd issue of the Canadian Gold Maple Leaf Coin.
- Contains 1 Troy oz of .9999 pure gold.
- Has a face value of $50 (CAD) backed by the Canadian government.
- Queen Elizabeth II is featured on the obverse.
- The Maple Leaf is featured on the reverse.
A right-facing profile of Queen Elizabeth II adorns the obverse of the Gold Maple Leaf coin. This version of Her Majesty was created in 2003 by Canadian artist Susanna Blunt and is the first coin to show the Queen without a crown. Since ascending to the throne of the United Kingdom in 1952, all Canadian coinage has featured one version or another of Queen Elizabeth II.
The reverse of the Gold Maple Leaf coin is adorned with the beloved Maple Leaf, which prevails as the unofficial emblem of Canada. This particular design of the Maple Leaf was created in 1979 for the Royal Canadian Mint by master engraver Walter Ott. Canadians consider the Maple Leaf to be a symbol of their pride and nationalism.
The Canadian Gold Maple Leaf coin was first minted in 1979 by the Royal Canadian Mint and has been issued annually ever since. The first Maple Leaf coins were 1 oz, with a gold purity of 99.9%. In 1983, the RCM increased the coin’s gold purity to 99.99%, making it the first bullion coin to have such high gold purity. In 2007, not wanting to be outdone, the RCM increased the coin’s gold purity to 99.999%.
The Gold Maple Leaf was initially minted in only the 1 oz denomination. In 1982, the RCM added the 1/4 oz ($10) and 1/10 oz ($5) denominations, in 1986, the 1/2 oz ($20) denomination, and in 1993, the 1/20 oz ($1) denomination. In 1994, the RCM experimented with a 1/15 oz denomination Maple Leaf, but the lack of demand for this unique size led to its not being issued again. In 2015, with a mintage limited to just 7,500 coins, the RCM issued the 1/25 oz Maple Leaf to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Canadian Flag.
The Canadian Gold Maple Leaf is considered legal tender. Due to the consistency of its design and mintage, the Gold Maple Leafs are regarded as the standard by which other 24-karat gold bullion coins are judged.
Have any questions when buying gold? The JM Bullion Customer Service team will gladly assist you. We can be reached via phone at 800-276-6508, online via our live chat, or via email.