Founded 1908 · Canada
Royal Canadian Mint
Flagship issue: Maple Leaf.
The Royal Canadian Mint introduced the Gold Maple Leaf in 1979 — the first modern bullion coin minted to .999 purity, raised to .9999 the following year, and currently to .99999 in some commemorative issues. The Maple Leaf is the global benchmark for high-purity bullion.
What they are known for
- First mint to produce 999.9 fine bullion at scale.
- Bullion DNA security feature on modern Maple Leaf issues.
- Radial-line micro-engraving introduced 2014 for anti-counterfeit.
- Operates Ottawa and Winnipeg facilities.
Market context
Among bullion buyers, Maple Leaf carries a slight purity premium over Krugerrand and Gold Eagle in transaction practice, reflected in tight bid-ask spreads in the secondary market. Numismatic offshoots — incuse, high relief, lunar — give the RCM a parallel collector following.
Notable series
- Maple Leaf 1 oz
- 999.9 fine, Bullion DNA secured.
- Maple Leaf Five 9s (.99999)
- Commemorative ultra-pure issues; very small mintage.
- Big Maple Leaf
- 100 kg, six issued; the most photographed coin of the modern era.