Overview
About the Canadian Silver Maple Leaf
The Silver Maple Leaf is one of the purest silver bullion coins made in large numbers, at .9999 fine. It is legal tender in Canada and widely traded worldwide.
It often costs a little less over spot than the American Silver Eagle, which makes it a common alternative for US buyers.
For background on the metal itself, see our silver guide.
Reference
Specifications
| Issuer | Royal Canadian Mint |
|---|---|
| Country | Canada |
| First year | 1988 |
| Type | Bullion coin |
| Metal | Silver |
| Purity | .9999 fine |
| Gross weight | 31.11 g (1.0002 troy oz) |
| Pure silver content | 1 troy oz (31.103 g) |
| Diameter | 38 mm |
| Thickness | 3.29 mm |
| Face value | $5 (Canadian) |
| Available sizes | 1 oz |
Try it
Melt value calculator
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Melt value
$60.53
1.0001 troy oz of pure silver
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 Silver Maple Leaf. Change the weight to value several coins, or a different size.
Look closer
Design and security features
Design
The reverse shows a single sugar maple leaf.
The obverse carries the reigning monarch: Queen Elizabeth II on most coins, King Charles III on newer issues.
Security features
Newer coins have a background of fine radial lines.
Newer coins also carry a small laser micro-engraved maple leaf security mark with the last two digits of the year inside it.
Newer coins have the Mint's MINTSHIELD surface treatment, which is meant to reduce white "milk spots".
Watch out for
What to check when buying
- Missing security features. A recent-dated coin without 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.
- Milk spots aren't a sign of a fake. They're a known cosmetic issue on older genuine Maple Leafs.
Retirement accounts
IRA eligibility
Generally yes. At .9999 fine it meets the usual IRA purity standard for silver 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 silver is in a Canadian Silver Maple Leaf?
A Canadian Silver Maple Leaf (1 oz size) contains 1 troy oz (31.103 g) of pure silver at .9999 fineness, in a coin weighing 31.11 g in total.
What is a Canadian Silver Maple Leaf worth?
At the latest silver spot price of $60.52 per troy ounce, the metal in one coin is worth about $60.52. Dealers sell above melt value (the premium) and usually buy back a little below it.
Can a Canadian Silver Maple Leaf go in an IRA?
Generally yes. At .9999 fine it meets the usual IRA purity standard for silver bullion. Rules change and custodians set their own lists, so confirm with your IRA custodian before buying.
How can I tell if a Canadian Silver Maple Leaf is fake?
Compare it with the published specs: a genuine 1 oz coin weighs 31.11 g and is 38 mm across. Missing security features. A recent-dated coin without 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.