Description

The Royal Canadian Mint released the Canadian Gold Maple Leaf coin as a sovereign bullion product for the first time in 1979. The coins release coincided with a Western boycott of goods from South Africa due to that nations system of apartheid. The South African Krugerrand, then the most popular gold bullion coin in the world, had its first major competitor in the form of the Gold Maple Leaf.

Canadian Gold Maple Leaf coins were first introduced as .999 pure gold products. The Royal Canadian Mint only struck these coins in .999 purity from 1979 until late 1982. Starting in November 1982, the mint switched to .9999 pure gold in the production of Canadian Gold Maple Leaf coins.

On the obverse side of every Canadian Gold Maple Leaf coin is the image of Queen Elizabeth II of England. Her Majesties effigy on the obverse of these particular coins reflects the Queen at the age of 39 years old. This depiction of the Queen was in use from 1979 until 1989, when it was replaced by an age-appropriate portrait.

The reverse of every Gold Maple Leaf coin bears the image of a sugar maple leaf, the official emblem of the nation of Canada. Engravings on this side of the coin include the word Canada across the top, the purity on both sides of the leaf design, and the coins metal content and weight below.

The dates available for purchase in this product listing today cannot be guaranteed. You will receive a Canadian Gold Maple Leaf in uncirculated condition, and featuring a year of issue between 1979 and 1982.