Last updated on May 2nd, 2024 at 03:35 pm
Last Updated on May 2, 2024 Posted by Colonial Acres Coins
When it comes to milestones in minting, the Royal Canadian Mint is a world-renowned facility that has produced countless incredibly valuable specimens that continue to exist as truly impressive feats of coin minting. Among the most interesting is the world’s first million-dollar coin which weighs 100 kilograms and has a face value of $1 million. Minted in 2007, the intention was to use the coin as an exclusive centerpiece that would promote the Mint and their new line of pure 1 oz Gold Maple Leaf bullion coins. But, the Mint decided to make a very limited quantity available for sale after several interested buyers came forward. Enthusiasts and investors responded positively and, to date, five of these coins have been purchased by buyers from around the world.
A Remarkable Milestone and Achievement
The Million Dollar Coin was actually certified as the world’s largest gold coin by Guinness World Records in October 2007. Manufactured at the Mint’s Ottawa facility, the coins’ birthplace is the location where the Mint operates world-class silver and gold refineries, and also securely stores gold bullion. Additionally, the mint also produces all Royal Canadian Mint gold bullion products and collector coins here. Design-wise, the obverse features an engraving of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II created by Canadian artist Susanna Blunt, while the maple leaf design on the reverse was conceived by Royal Canadian Mint senior engraver and artist, Stan Witten.
Impossible to Resist
Such an impressive minting feat is difficult to ignore for both those who appreciate coins of all shapes and sizes and those who have other intentions. As it happens, one specimen of the coin was actually stolen in 2017 from a museum in Berlin. The German capital’s Bode Museum had the Big Maple Leaf coin on loan in its numismatic collection since 2010 – no surprise, since this museum has one of the largest coin collections in the world. Luckily, the stolen coin does not belong to the Royal Canadian Mint; the original is still in storage in Ottawa. The stolen specimen was one of five that was manufactured after the initial coin and then sold to interested private individuals.
Looking for Coins with a Rich History? Head Down to Colonial Acres Coins
Coin collecting is an activity that many engage in simply because of the fact that there are countless coins out there with an incredibly interesting history. Whether they are Royal Canadian Mint coins or coins from other parts of the planet, there is a lot to love about these tiny pieces of metal. Coins and money have been in use for thousands of years and many have such interesting and varied histories that it is just hard to believe. For example, discovering a coin that was used several thousand years ago in an ancient civilization is very exciting and having one or more such coins in your collection means it likely very valuable. If you’re keen on learning more about various coins and are looking to enrich the collection you keep at home, head down to Colonial Acres Coins. Colonial Acres has been in business for more than 20 years and is home to an expert team of professional numismatists who can answer any coin-related question and provide unrivaled knowledge. Check out Colonial Acres today and enrich your collection with superb and rare coin pieces.