The Royal Canadian Mint’s Gold Maple Leaf coin has long been treasured by collectors and investors alike. The first coin to achieve a .9999 grade for purity, these stunning coins are a valuable and striking piece of numismatic history.
In celebration of the coin’s sapphire anniversary, the Royal Canadian Mint has released a special 2024 offering. Introducing the 45th anniversary Gold Maple Leaf fractional set. Comprised of four coins of varying size and value, this limited-release set is certain to be highly sought after.
Learn the History Behind the 45th Anniversary Gold Maple Leaf Fractional Set
The Royal Canadian Mint introduced the Gold Maple Leaf (GML) coin in 1979. At the time, there were only a few other instances of gold bullion coins available in the world – the Austrian 100 Corona, the British Sovereign, and the South African Krugerrand, which was restricted due to Apartheid.
The original 1979 GML was a 1-ounce coin featuring a single maple leaf on the reverse and an effigy of a 39-year-old Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse. It had a .999 purity grade. Over its 45-year history, this coin has had several notable changes:
- The purity of the gold was increased to an unprecedented .9999 in 1982.
- In 1990 and 2004 the coin saw a series of changes to the obverse effigy of Queen Elizabeth II as the monarch gracefully aged.
- Design changes focused on increasing security and authenticity were made in 2013 and 2015. Fine radial lines resembling the sun’s rays were added to both sides of the coin and a minute laser engraved maple leaf containing the year of minting was added to the obverse.
The Big Maple Leaf
In 2007, the RCM minted six $1 million gold maple leaf coins. With a massive diameter of 530 mm and a weight of 3,215 troy ounces, the coin was dubbed “The Big Maple Leaf”. In 2017, one of these rare coins was stolen from The Bode Museum in Berlin, where it was on loan from a collector. The theft launched an investigation and chase worthy of a Hollywood film. Although the thieves were caught, the coin was never recovered and it is believed to have been melted down and sold.
Get To Know These Unprecedented Limited Issue Fractional Gold Coins
The 45th anniversary Gold Maple Leaf fractional set is truly exceptional. The design features a reverse with two detailed maple leaves on a single branch. The etching is so fine and detailed that it depicts a life-like leaf preserved forever in pure gold. Next to the leaf are the double dates of the coin’s introduction and its 45th anniversary.
In a touching act of reverence for the departed Queen, the obverse of the coin returns to the effigy used on the original GML. The effigy was designed by renowned artist Arnold Machin and presents a young and regally beautiful Queen Elizabeth II with a delicate crown upon her head.
Special Feature of This Collectible 2024 Fractional Set
Enhancing the exquisite simplicity of the 45th anniversary Gold Maple Leaf reverse design, the 1-ounce coin has a very special feature. Falling from the point of one of the double maple leaves is a gorgeous dewdrop made of precious .35-carat AAA blue sapphire.
Get Your Own Piece of History at Colonial Acres Coins
The Royal Canadian Mint 45th anniversary Gold Maple Leaf set celebrates the history of the Maple Leaf coin as one of the most prized and valued bullion pieces in the world. The precious blue sapphire on the 1-ounce coin is also a moving tribute to Queen Elizabeth II, the only British monarch to celebrate her own sapphire anniversary.
With a limited minting of only 450, this set of fractional gold coins will remain a store of value through the years. Secure your 2024 fractional set and peruse other rare gold, silver and platinum bullion coins at Colonial Acres Coins today.