1 oz Canadian Silver Maple Leaf

The 1 oz Canadian Silver Maple Leaf is one of Canada's most prestigious silver bullion coins, first minted in 1988 by the Royal Canadian Mint. Renowned for its high purity and beautiful design, it remains a popular choice among investors and collectors worldwide.

Why is the Coin Famous?

The 1 oz Canadian Silver Maple Leaf coin is notable for its exceptional purity and iconic design. Featuring a maple leaf on the reverse side, the national symbol of Canada, the coin represents the country's rich natural heritage. The obverse side of the coin traditionally features an effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, underscoring the coin's official status as legal tender in Canada. With its .9999 fine silver content, it is one of the purest silver coins available, enhancing its appeal to both investors and collectors.

Who Designed the Coin and Why?

The reverse side of the 1 oz Canadian Silver Maple Leaf was designed by Walter Ott, a distinguished engraver at the Royal Canadian Mint. The maple leaf design was chosen to reflect Canada’s national symbol, symbolizing growth, peace, and cultural diversity. The obverse side, featuring the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, has seen updates over the years by various artists, including Arnold Machin, Dora de Pédery-Hunt, and Susanna Blunt, to keep pace with the Queen’s aging visage.

Coin Specifications and Symbolism

• Weight: 31.1 grams (1 troy ounce)
• Silver Content: 99.99% pure silver
• Diameter: 38 mm
• Thickness: 3.15 mm
• Edge: Reeded

The maple leaf design symbolizes Canada's natural beauty and heritage, while the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II signifies the country's status as a constitutional monarchy. These elements together make the coin a blend of national pride and historical significance.

1 oz Canadian Silver Maple Leaf Coin Value

While the intrinsic value of the 1 oz Canadian Silver Maple Leaf is tied to the current market price of silver, certain mintage years can command higher premiums due to their rarity and demand among collectors. For instance, the 1997 and 1998 editions are known for their lower mintages compared to other years, making them more sought after. Additionally, variations in design, such as the introduction of radial lines and micro-engraved security features in 2014, can also influence the coin’s market value.

The coin's value is also influenced by its condition, with coins in mint state (MS) grades commanding higher prices. Coins with special features, like the 2005 Privy Mark editions, though technically not proof or special editions, can also be more valuable.

Overall, the 1 oz Canadian Silver Maple Leaf is a highly regarded silver bullion coin, prized for its purity, iconic design, and status as legal tender. Its value fluctuates based on the price of silver and numismatic factors, making it both an investment and a collectible piece of Canadian heritage.

1 oz Silver Maple Leaf Auctions