anadian Maple Leaf: pure 999.9 gold coin
The Canadian Maple Leaf is one of the best-selling and most popular investment gold coins in the world. It is renowned for its high fineness, elegant maple-leaf design and modern security features. Let us take a closer look.
History: a bet on the highest fineness
The Gold Maple Leaf has been minted by the Royal Canadian Mint since 1979. It was among the very first modern investment coins – shortly after the South African Krugerrand – and quickly gained worldwide popularity. Unlike the Krugerrand, however, it committed from the outset to the highest possible fineness.
999.9 fineness – one of the purest coins
The Maple Leaf is struck from pure gold with a fineness of 999.9/1000 (99.99%), that is, a full 24 carats. It contains no admixture of any other metal – the entire weight of the coin is gold. This is the difference from alloy coins such as the Krugerrand (916.7). The higher fineness has one practical peculiarity: pure gold is softer, so the coin requires more careful handling.
| Parameter | 1 oz Gold Maple Leaf |
|---|---|
| Metal | Gold (pure, 24 carat) |
| Fineness | 999.9/1000 (99.99%) |
| Pure gold content | 1 troy ounce (31.10 g) |
| Total weight | 31.10 g |
| Diameter | 30.0 mm |
| Face value | 50 Canadian dollars (CAD) |
| Mint | Royal Canadian Mint |
| First minted | 1979 |
Design: the maple leaf and the monarch
The reverse is adorned by the iconic sugar maple leaf – the national symbol of Canada, depicted with a precise rendering of its veins. The obverse features the portrait of the reigning British monarch (historically Queen Elizabeth II, on newer issues King Charles III) together with the face value of 50 Canadian dollars.
Anti-counterfeiting security features
The Royal Canadian Mint is one of the pioneers in protecting bullion coins. Since 2013, the one-ounce Maple Leaf has carried two advanced features:
- Radial lines – precisely machined radial lines on both sides of the coin, which create a characteristic light effect and are very hard to imitate.
- Micro-engraving – a tiny mark bearing the year, visible only under magnification.
This system, which the mint calls "Bullion DNA", allows the coin's authenticity to be verified even by machine.
Maple Leaf sizes
- 1 oz – the classic and most traded,
- 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, 1/10 oz,
- 1/20 oz – the smallest fraction for small purchases.
Why investors choose the Maple Leaf
- High 999.9 fineness – pure 24-carat gold with no admixture.
- Worldwide recognition and liquidity – easily sold virtually anywhere in the world.
- Modern security features – lower risk of counterfeiting thanks to Bullion DNA.
- Usually a favourable premium – as a mass-minted coin it often carries a good premium (the markup over the gold price).
You will find a broad selection in our investment gold category. We currently have the 1/4 oz Maple Leaf 2026 gold coin from the Royal Canadian Mint in stock – take a look in our shop.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fineness of the Maple Leaf?
999.9/1000 (99.99%), that is, pure 24-carat gold – it is among the purest investment coins.
Is the Maple Leaf more delicate than an alloy coin?
Yes. Pure gold is softer, so keep the coin in a protective capsule and handle it carefully. In return, it offers the highest fineness.
How do I recognise a genuine Maple Leaf?
By the radial lines and micro-engraving (Bullion DNA), the certificate and, where appropriate, non-destructive measurement.
Is the Maple Leaf subject to VAT?
Investment gold is exempt from VAT within the EU, and the gold Maple Leaf meets this condition.
