Overview
About the Canadian Gold Maple Leaf
The Gold Maple Leaf is struck in .9999 fine gold by the Royal Canadian Mint and is legal tender in Canada. It is traded by dealers around the world, so it is usually easy to buy and sell.
Like other 24-karat coins it is soft and can pick up marks from handling. Newer coins carry security features that make them harder to fake than older issues.
For background on the metal itself, see our gold guide.
Reference
Specifications
| Issuer | Royal Canadian Mint |
|---|---|
| Country | Canada |
| First year | 1979. The earliest coins (1979 to 1982) were .999 fine; later coins are .9999. |
| Type | Bullion coin |
| Metal | Gold |
| Purity | .9999 (24 karat) |
| Gross weight | 31.11 g (1.0002 troy oz) |
| Pure gold content | 1 troy oz (31.103 g) |
| Diameter | 30 mm |
| Thickness | 2.8 mm |
| Face value | $50 (Canadian) |
| Available sizes | 1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, 1/10 oz, 1/20 oz |
Try it
Melt value calculator
Pre-filled with the latest price. Edit it to try another price.
Melt value
$4,142.25
1.0001 troy oz of pure gold
Melt value is the metal content at spot. Dealers sell above it (the premium) and usually buy below it. Rare coins can be worth far more than melt.
Pre-set to one Canadian Gold Maple Leaf. Change the weight to value several coins, or a different size.
Look closer
Design and security features
Design
The obverse carries the effigy of the reigning monarch: Queen Elizabeth II on most coins, King Charles III on newer issues.
The reverse shows a single sugar maple leaf.
Security features
Newer coins have a background of fine radial lines that catch the light.
Newer coins also carry a small laser micro-engraved maple leaf security mark with the last two digits of the year inside it.
Watch out for
What to check when buying
- Missing security features. A recent-dated coin without the radial lines or the micro-engraved mark is a red flag. Older coins were made without them, so check the date.
- Wrong year in the security mark. The digits in the micro-engraved leaf should match the date on the coin.
- Size and weight. A genuine 1 oz coin is 30 mm across. Fakes often get the weight or the size wrong when made of a cheaper metal.
Retirement accounts
IRA eligibility
Generally yes. At .9999 fine it meets the usual IRA purity standard for gold bullion. Rules change and custodians set their own lists, so confirm with your IRA custodian before buying.
IRA metal has to be held by a custodian in an approved depository, not at home.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
How much gold is in a Canadian Gold Maple Leaf?
A Canadian Gold Maple Leaf (1 oz size) contains 1 troy oz (31.103 g) of pure gold at .9999 fineness, in a coin weighing 31.11 g in total.
What is a Canadian Gold Maple Leaf worth?
At the latest gold spot price of $4,141.80 per troy ounce, the metal in one coin is worth about $4,141.80. Dealers sell above melt value (the premium) and usually buy back a little below it.
Can a Canadian Gold Maple Leaf go in an IRA?
Generally yes. At .9999 fine it meets the usual IRA purity standard for gold bullion. Rules change and custodians set their own lists, so confirm with your IRA custodian before buying.
How can I tell if a Canadian Gold Maple Leaf is fake?
Compare it with the published specs: a genuine 1 oz coin weighs 31.11 g and is 30 mm across. Missing security features. A recent-dated coin without the radial lines or the micro-engraved mark is a red flag. Older coins were made without them, so check the date. If you're unsure, ask an established dealer to test it.
This page is for general education only and isn’t financial, tax or legal advice. Melt value is an estimate of metal content, not a dealer quote, and prices may be delayed. Check current details with a dealer or a licensed adviser before making decisions.