Hi,
Since its release in 1979, the Canadian Gold Maple Leaf Coin has become one of the most familiar and respected gold bullion coins in the world. The Royal Canadian Mint produces this timeless piece, which is preferred equally among investors and collectors for its outstanding purity, sophisticated security, and stunning design.
Here at AU Bullion, we’re also an Authorized Royal Canadian Mint Bullion DNA Dealer, so we only stock the best Canadian Maple Leaf coins—direct from the source. Let’s take a look at how this famous gold piece has evolved over the years.
The Beginning: Launched in 1979
The Canadian Gold Maple Leaf (GML) was introduced in 1979, making Canada the second nation in the world, after the Krugerrand of South Africa, to release a contemporary bullion gold coin. In contrast to the Krugerrand, composed of 22-karat gold, the Gold Maple Leaf was minted in .999 fine gold (99.9%) purity—a radical step for the time.
The coin gained fast popularity due to its high purity and reliable government guarantee.
Raising the Bar: .9999 Fine Gold
In 1982, the Royal Canadian Mint took it a step further by increasing the purity of the Gold Maple Leaf to .9999 (99.99%) fine gold, setting a new global standard. This higher purity helped distinguish the coin from other bullion options and cemented its reputation for quality and precision.
Some special edition coins even reach .99999 (five nines) purity—among the purest gold coins in the world.
Advanced Protection Features
The Royal Canadian Mint, over the years, has incorporated the latest security features to prevent and guarantee the authenticity of counterfeits:
Radial lines (added in 2013): Precisely machined lines create a unique light-diffracting pattern.
Micro-engraved maple leaf (introduced in 2013): A small privy mark that is laser-engraved with the last two digits of the year of the coin.
Bullion DNA technology: This enables accredited sellers such as AU Bullion to verify the legitimacy of every coin in real time through use of the Royal Canadian Mint’s protected digital database.
These characteristics give investors and collectors peace of mind when they make the Gold Maple Leaf one of the most secure bullion coins in the market.
Timeless Style with Significance
The back of the Gold Maple Leaf is the classic sugar maple leaf, a masterful design conceived by Walter Ott—a timeless emblem of Canadian identity.
The obverse has also included various depictions of Queen Elizabeth II throughout the years, which mirror the aging monarch. With her death in 2022, collectors are anxiously awaiting how subsequent versions will change during the reign of King Charles III.
SIZES AVAILABLE
The Gold Maple Leaf coins are offered in different sizes to accommodate all budgets:
- 1 oz (most popular)
- 1/2 oz
- 1/4 oz
- 1/10 oz
- 1/20 oz
- 1-gram and fractional coins for gifting or beginner investing
No matter the size, each coin offers the same trusted purity and craftsmanship from the Royal Canadian Mint.
Invest with Confidence at AU Bullion
As an Authorized Royal Canadian Mint Bullion DNA Dealer, AU Bullion offers the latest 2025 Gold Maple Leaf Coins as well as circulated options from previous years. Whether you’re buying individual coins, tubes, or full monster boxes, we guarantee:
Authenticity guaranteed through RCM’s Bullion DNA system
Highly competitive pricing
Secure and insured transactions. In-store pickup or nationwide shipping. Come see us in our Toronto or Vancouver store, or shop from our entire range online at aubullion.ca. The Canadian Gold Maple Leaf Coin is not only an investment, but a piece of Canadian history. Include this global icon in your portfolio today through AU Bullion.
