The Gold Maple Leaf (GML) is a 24-karat Canadian bullion coin, first minted in 1979. Produced annually by the Royal Canadian Mint with a purity of 99.99% gold and currently the following denominations: 1 oz, ½ oz, ¼ oz, 1/10 oz, 1/20 oz, 1 gram. The coin possesses several security features and is legal tender in Canada, with 50 Canadian dollars for the one ounce coin.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- The Canadian Gold Maple Leaf was the first bullion coin with a 24-karat purity, introduced in 1979 (first with 99.9% gold, in 1982 changed to 99.99%).
- The obverse design of the Gold Maple Leaf features Queen Elizabeth II (soon Charles II). The reverse shows the national emblem of Canada, a sugar maple leaf.
- The coin contains several security features: micro-engraved security marks, bullion DNA and radiating lines.
This comprehensive overview gives an introduction to the gold maple leaf, its history and origin, features and specifications, comparison to a very similar coin: the gold buffalo from the United States, and investment perspective and lastly the article answers frequently asked questions.
Contents
Part 1: Introduction to the Gold Maple Leaf (GML)
Introduction to Gold Maple Leaf
The Gold Maple Leaf abbreviated to GML is a renowned gold bullion coin that originates from Canada. It is one of the purest gold coins available, with a gold content of 99.99%. The coin is produced by the Royal Canadian Mint and has been in circulation since 1979. The Gold Maple Leaf is not only popular among collectors but also considered a valuable investment.
The design of the Gold Maple Leaf is simple yet elegant. The obverse features a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, while the reverse showcases the iconic maple leaf, a national symbol of Canada. The coin’s purity, weight, and legal tender value are also inscribed on it.
Besides the bullion coin with weights from 1 gram to 1 ounce there exist a myriad of other mintages, differentiated by its purity (.999 to .99999), weight (up to 100kg), composition (bi-metallic coins also exist) and colors (colored, hologram) and motives (Olympic) and other special editions.
Importance and Popularity of Gold Maple Leaf
The Gold Maple Leaf holds a special place in the hearts of coin collectors and investors alike. One of the reasons for the popularity of the Gold Maple Leaf is its historical significance. Being the second bullion coin on the market, after the Krugerrand. The GML has a more sophisticated design, higher purity and important. The Canadian coin gave investors and collectors an alternative to the Krugerrand which originated at that time from a sanctioned apartheid regime.,
The Candian Maple Leaf set a precedent for other mints around the world. Additionally, the coin’s design, which includes the symbolic maple leaf, resonates with both Canadians and international collectors. The Gold Maple Leaf continues to be a preferred choice for those looking to invest in gold, and its legacy is expected to endure for years to come.
Four Interesting Facts about the Maple Leaf
| Topic | Fact |
| Funny | The Gold Maple Leaf is so pure that if you were to bite it like they do in old movies to test if it’s real gold, you’d likely leave a dent! Not that we recommend trying this, of course. |
| Interesting | The Gold Maple Leaf was the first bullion coin in the world to increase its gold content from .999 to .9999 (both which is a fineness of 24 karats in November 1982. This move set a higher standard for gold coins worldwide. |
| Secret | In 2012, the Royal Canadian Mint produced a limited edition Gold Maple Leaf coin with a face value of $1 million! However, the gold content in the coin was worth over $2 million at the time it was made. |
| Bizarre | The design of the Gold Maple Leaf has remained largely unchanged since its introduction in 1979. The only significant change has been the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, which has been updated a few times to reflect her aging. It’s one of the few coins in the world where you can see the monarch age! |
Part 2: History and Origin
History of Gold Maple Leaf
The Gold Maple Leaf, a symbol of Canadian heritage and pride, was first introduced to the global stage in 1979. This was a period when the world of gold bullion coins was largely dominated by the South African Krugerrand. However, the Krugerrand was facing international boycotts due to the apartheid policies in South Africa, creating a vacuum in the market for gold bullion coins. The Royal Canadian Mint seized this opportunity and launched the Gold Maple Leaf, providing an alternative for gold investors worldwide.
In its initial years, the Gold Maple Leaf was minted with a gold purity of .999. This was already considered high in the industry, but the Royal Canadian Mint was not content with just being one of the best. In November 1982, the Mint decided to push the boundaries further and enhanced the purity of the Gold Maple Leaf to .9999, making it one of the purest gold coins in the world. This move not only solidified the coin’s position in the global market but also set a new standard for gold bullion coins, prompting other mints around the world to follow suit.
| Year | Event |
| 1979 | The Royal Canadian Mint introduces the Gold Maple Leaf coin. |
| 1982 | The Mint increases the gold purity of the Gold Maple Leaf from .999 to .9999. |
| 1990 | The original image of a 39-year old Queen is replaced by a 64-year-old Queen |
| 2005 | A new design of Queen Elizabeth II (79 years of age) is introduced on the obverse of the coin. |
| 2007 | 100 kg maple leaf produced (3215 ounces). Of the six coins produced, one was stolen, then probably cut into pieces and sold. |
| 2013 | The Mint introduces a new security feature – a micro-engraved laser mark. |
| 2023 | King Charles II replaces the image of his mother. |
The Royal Canadian Mint and its Role
The Royal Canadian Mint, a Crown corporation, is the backbone of the Gold Maple Leaf’s production and distribution. The Mint is responsible for producing all of Canada’s circulation coins, but its operations are not limited to just that. It also offers a variety of specialized coinage, including numismatic coins, and medallions. Among these, the Gold Maple Leaf stands out as a testament to the Mint’s commitment to quality and innovation.
The Royal Canadian Mint’s dedication to maintaining the integrity and quality of the Gold Maple Leaf is evident in the numerous enhancements it has made to the coin over the years.
For instance, in 2013, the Mint introduced a new security feature to the Gold Maple Leaf – a micro-engraved laser mark. This laser mark, visible only under magnification, depicts a small maple leaf along with the last two digits of the year of manufacture. This feature, combined with the coin’s high gold purity, contributes to the Gold Maple Leaf’s reputation as one of the world’s most secure and trustworthy gold bullion coins. The Mint’s continuous efforts to innovate and improve have ensured that the Gold Maple Leaf remains a preferred choice for investors and collectors alike.
Read about the two US Gold Bullion Coins:
- the 22-karat American Gold Eagle
- the 24-karat American Buffalo Coin
Part 3: Features and Specifications
Physical Features of the Gold Maple Leaf
The Gold Maple Leaf is a work of art in its own right, with its design reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Canada. The obverse of the coin features a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, a design that has seen three different versions since the coin’s inception. The current design, introduced in 2005, showcases a mature portrait of the Queen, symbolizing her long and stable reign.
The reverse side of the coin is where it gets its name. It features a beautifully detailed maple leaf, a national emblem of Canada. The intricate design showcases the veins of the leaf, giving it a lifelike appearance. The words “Canada” and “Fine Gold” along with the gold purity in both English and French, and the weight of the coin are also inscribed on this side.
Purity and Value of the Gold Maple Leaf
The Gold Maple Leaf is renowned for its high gold purity. Initially minted with a gold content of .999, the Royal Canadian Mint increased the purity to .9999 in November 1982, making it the purest gold coin in the world at that time. This high gold purity, combined with the coin’s weight options ranging from 1/20 oz to 1 oz, makes it a versatile investment option catering to a range of budgets.
| Denom. | Diam. (mm) | Thickn. (mm) | Weight (gram) | Face Value (CAD) | Years |
| 1 gram | ca. 8 | – | 1.00 | 0.50 | from 2014 |
| 1⁄20 oz | 14.00 | 0.92 | 1.56 | 1.00 | from 1993 |
| 1⁄15 oz | 15.00 | – | 2.07 | 2.00 | 1994 |
| 1⁄10 oz | 16.00 | 1.13 | 3.11 | 5.00 | from 1982 |
| 1⁄4 oz | 20.00 | 1.78 | 7.78 | 10.00 | from 1982 |
| 1⁄2 oz | 25,00 | 2.23 | 15.55 | 20.00 | from 1986 |
| 1 oz | 30.00 | 2.80 | 31.10 | 50.00 | from 1979 |
The face value of the Gold Maple Leaf varies depending on its weight. For instance, the 1 oz Gold Maple Leaf has a face value of 50 Canadian dollars. However, the market value of the coin is usually much higher, as it depends on the spot price of gold, which fluctuates based on market conditions. Despite the face value, the true value of the Gold Maple Leaf lies in its gold content and the trust and security it offers to investors.
Part 4. Gold Maple Leaf vs Gold Buffalo
Country of Origin: The Gold Maple Leaf is minted by the Royal Canadian Mint and is the official gold bullion coin of Canada. On the other hand, the American Buffalo is minted by the United States Mint and is the first 24-karat gold coin from the U.S. government.
Purity: Both coins are among the few that offer .9999 (24-karat) gold purity.
Design: The Gold Maple Leaf features a maple leaf on the reverse and Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse. The American Buffalo, designed by James Earle Fraser, features a Native American on the obverse and an American bison on the reverse.
History: The Gold Maple Leaf was first issued in 1979, making it one of the oldest modern gold bullion coins. The American Buffalo, on the other hand, was first issued in 2006.
Recognition: Both coins are highly recognized and traded around the world. However, the Gold Maple Leaf has a longer history and is more recognized internationally, while the American Buffalo is particularly popular in the United States.
Security Features: The Gold Maple Leaf has advanced security features such as radial lines and a laser mark. The American Buffalo does not have these features.
Remember, the choice between the two often comes down to personal preference, the coin’s premium over the spot price of gold, and the buyer’s trust in the coin’s mint and country of origin.
Part 5: Investment Perspective
Gold Maple Leaf as an Investment
Investing in gold has been a tried and tested strategy for wealth preservation for centuries, and the Gold Maple Leaf is a popular choice among gold investors. Its high gold purity of .9999 makes it one of the purest gold coins in the world, which adds to its appeal. Moreover, the coin is produced by the Royal Canadian Mint, a reputable institution, and is backed by the Canadian government, providing an added layer of security for investors.
The Gold Maple Leaf is available in various weights, making it accessible to a wide range of investors. Whether you’re a seasoned investor looking to diversify your portfolio with a substantial gold investment or a beginner looking to dip your toes into the world of gold investing, the Gold Maple Leaf has options to suit your needs.
Comparison with Other Gold Bullion Coins
When compared to other gold bullion coins, the Gold Maple Leaf holds its own. For instance, while the American Gold Eagle is also a popular choice among investors, the Gold Maple Leaf surpasses it in terms of gold purity. The Gold Eagle has a gold content of 91.67%, while the Gold Maple Leaf boasts a gold content of 99.99%.
Moreover, the Gold Maple Leaf often has a lower premium over the spot price of gold compared to other gold coins. This means that investors can often acquire more gold for their money with the Gold Maple Leaf, making it a cost-effective choice.
How to Buy and Store Gold Maple Leafs
Buying Gold Maple Leafs is relatively straightforward. They can be purchased from various sources, including bullion dealers, online marketplaces, and sometimes directly from the Royal Canadian Mint. When buying, it’s important to consider the dealer’s reputation, the coin’s price over the spot price of gold, and any additional fees, such as shipping or insurance.
Storing Gold Maple Leafs requires careful consideration. They can be stored at home in a safe or safety deposit box, but for larger investments, professional storage options may be more suitable. These could include bank safety deposit boxes or private non-bank vaults. Some dealers also offer storage services, at a cost. Regardless of the storage method chosen, it’s crucial to ensure that your investment is secure and insured.
Read about the two US Gold Bullion Coins:
- the 22-karat American Gold Eagle
- the 24-karat American Buffalo Coin
FAQs
What is the Gold Maple Leaf?
The Gold Maple Leaf is a gold bullion coin that is issued annually by the Government of Canada. It is produced by the Royal Canadian Mint and is one of the purest gold coins available in the world.
How much is a Gold Maple Leaf worth?
The value of a Gold Maple Leaf is primarily determined by the current spot price of gold. However, other factors such as the coin's condition, rarity, and the year it was minted can also influence its value.
What is the purity of a Gold Maple Leaf?
The Gold Maple Leaf is known for its high gold purity. In 1979, the year of its introduction, the purity was set to .999. In November 1982, the purity was increased to .9999, which has not changed till this day. There are also special editions with a higher purity of .99999. They are intended for collectors, not investors, with a premium well above the spot market price for gold.
How can I buy a Gold Maple Leaf?
Gold Maple Leafs can be purchased from various sources, including bullion dealers, online marketplaces, and sometimes directly from the Royal Canadian Mint. It's important to consider the dealer's reputation, the coin's price over the spot price of gold, and any additional fees, such as shipping or insurance.
How should I store my Gold Maple Leafs?
Storing Gold Maple Leaves requires careful consideration. They can be stored at home in a safe or safety deposit box, but for larger investments, professional storage options may be more suitable. These could include bank safety deposit boxes or private non-bank vaults. Some dealers also offer storage services, often at a cost. Regardless of the storage method chosen, it's crucial to ensure that your investment is secure and insured.