The first Gold Canadian Maple Leaf coin was produced in 1979 by the Royal Canadian Mint, which was founded in 1908. Not only is the Gold Maple Leaf the official gold bullion coin of Canada, but it is also considered to be one of the oldest gold coins on the bullion market today. Due to its purity and quality, it is held in high regard and is often considered to be the standard by which other 24-karat gold bullion coins are judged. Sold as a collectible item, this Proof coin has a mirrored background and a frosted relief. Currently, this 1989 1 oz Proof Gold Canadian Maple Leaf Coin Box COA is available for purchase online at Silver.com.
Coin Highlights:
- Each coin is in its original box from the RCM!
- Each coin has its Certificate of Authenticity!
- 11th issue of the Gold Canadian Maple Leaf Coin.
- Contains 1 Troy ounce of .9999 pure gold.
- Profile of Queen Elizabeth II is featured on the obverse.
- Maple Leaf is featured on the reverse.
- Has a face value of $50 (CAD) backed by the government of Canada.
The Gold Canadian Maple Leaf coin was first produced by the Royal Canadian Mint in 1979, and has been every year since then. The RCM’s first Gold Maple Leaf coins were produced with a gold purity of 99.9%. In 1983, the RCM increased the gold purity of the coins to 99.99%. This made them the first bullion coin to be produced of such high gold purity. Once again, in 2007, the RCM increased the gold purity to 99.999%, however, this was reserved for special edition coins only.
The Gold Maple Leaf coins were initially produced by the RCM only in the 1 oz denomination. Three years later, in 1982, the RCM added 1/4 oz and 1/10 oz denominations. The 1/2 oz denomination was added in 1986 and the 1/20 oz denomination in 1993. The RCM produced a 1/15 oz denomination Gold Maple Leaf in 1994, however, the denomination lacked demand and was not issued again. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Canadian Flag, the RCM produced a 1/25 oz denomination Gold Maple Leaf in 2015. This coin’s mintage was limited to just 7,500 coins.
The 1989 Gold Maple Leaf features the 2nd generation version of Queen Elizabeth II. This design was created by British coin designer Arnold Machin. It depicts a right facing profile of Her Majesty as a 39-year-old. This was the final year that Machin’s version of Her Majesty appears on the Gold Maple Leaf coin. Since her ascension to the throne in 1952, all Canadian coinage has featured one of the several versions of Queen Elizabeth II.
The reverse of the Gold Maple Leaf continues to feature the beloved Maple Leaf, the unofficial emblem of Canada. The RCM master engraver Walter Ott was the creator of this Maple Leaf design in 1979. Canadians have long considered the Maple Leaf to be a symbol of their pride and nationalism.
Should you have any questions when buying gold, our Silver.com Customer Service team are happy to assist you. We can be reached via phone at 888-989-7223, online via our live chat, or via our email.