Summary about the Maple Leaf gold coin
Maple Leaf gold coins are very popular.
The Maple Leaf is characterised by its high fineness.
Maple Leafs are available in the sizes 1 ounce, ½ ounce, ¼ ounce, 1/10 ounce, 1/20 ounce, 1 gram.
As of 2013, Maple Leafs bear a laser engraving.
Introduction to the Canadian Maple Leaf
The gold Maple Leaf from Canada is one of the world's most popular bullion coins. Since the 1980s, it has been distinguished by its high fineness of 999.9. Since it is also considered official currency, the Maple Leaf, like other bullion coins, is exempt from VAT in Switzerland.
The appearance of the Maple Leaf
The front of the Maple Leaf features the Canadian head of state, Queen Elizabeth II. Above the monarch's head is her name (Elizabeth II), and below her image is the face value of the coin in Canadian dollars followed by the year. The Queen's effigy is adjusted from time to time, the last time being in 2004.
The reverse is decorated with a maple leaf, which also gave the coin its name. The word CANADA is placed above the maple leaf, which is also flanked on both sides by the fineness 9999. Below the maple leaf is the inscription FINE GOLD 1 OZ OR PUR, which indicates the fineness in the two Canadian languages, English and French.
In 2013, a new security feature was added. Since then, there has been a smaller laser-engraved maple leaf underneath the large maple leaf.
History of the Maple Leaf
Since 1979, the 1 ounce gold Maple Leaf has been produced with a face value of 50 Canadian dollars. As early as 1982, the ¼ ounce and 1/10 ounce sizes were added. In 1986 the ½ ounce followed, in 1993 the 1/20 ounce.
| Weight | Nominal value in Canadian dollars | Year of issue |
|---|---|---|
| 1 ounce (31.1034 g) | 50 CAD | 1979 |
| ½ ounce | 20 CAD | 1986 |
| ¼ ounce | 10 CAD | 1982 |
| 1/10 ounce | 5 CAD | 1982 |
| 1/20 oz | 1 CAD | 1993 |
| 1 gram | 0.5 CAD | 2014 |
The innovative Maple Leaf
The Royal Canadian Mint is very innovative which is why the Maple Leaf was the first 24 carat (999) bullion coin in 1979. In 1982, the fineness was increased again to a then groundbreaking 9999. As of 2007, a version with five times 9, i.e. 999.99, is even being produced. The new security feature of laser engraving, introduced in 2013, can also be seen in this tradition of innovation in the gold market.
Frequently asked questions about the gold Maple Leaf
How much does a Maple Leaf cost?
The price of a Maple Leaf is linked to the market price of gold and is related to the fine weight of the particular Maple Leaf. Due to the respective weight, the price can easily be calculated on the basis of the daily rate.
Can I pay with a Maple Leaf?
Yes, since the Maple Leaf is official currency, this would theoretically be possible. However, as the metal value far exceeds the minted face value, this is not advisable.
