Gold Maple Leaf Specifications
Technical details and investor-facing facts for the 1 oz Canadian Gold Maple Leaf, one of the world's most recognized pure gold bullion coins.
Technical Specifications
| Gold Purity | .9999 fine (24-karat) |
| Alloy Composition | 99.99% pure gold |
| Fine Gold Content | 1.0000 troy ounce (31.1035 g) |
| Gross Weight | 1.0000 troy ounces (31.1035 g) |
| Diameter | 30.00 mm (1.181 in) |
| Thickness | 2.87 mm (0.113 in) |
| Face Value | $50 CAD (Canadian legal tender) |
| Mint | Royal Canadian Mint |
| First Minted | 1979 |
| Edge | Reeded |
| IRA Eligible | Yes |
Understanding .9999 Fine Gold
The Gold Maple Leaf is minted from .9999 fine gold (24-karat), making it one of the purest gold bullion coins available. Unlike alloyed coins, it contains no copper or silver additives.
- •Maximum purity: 99.99% pure gold with no alloy metals
- •Exact weight: Gross weight equals fine gold content (1 troy oz)
- •Softer metal: Pure gold is more susceptible to scratches than alloyed coins
- •Industry pioneer: The Maple Leaf helped establish .9999 as the purity standard for bullion
Learn more about Gold Maple Leaf specifications at Monex Knowledge Base
Legal Tender Status
The Canadian Gold Maple Leaf carries a $50 CAD face value and is official Canadian legal tender. This government backing provides:
Authenticity Assurance
Produced by the Royal Canadian Mint with strict quality controls and advanced anti-counterfeiting measures.
Government Guarantee
Weight and purity backed by the Canadian government, ensuring global confidence.
Market Recognition
Widely recognized and accepted by dealers worldwide, supporting excellent liquidity.
IRA Eligibility
Meets IRS requirements for Precious Metals IRAs with its .9999 purity exceeding minimum standards.
Advanced Security Features
Since 2013, the Royal Canadian Mint has incorporated advanced security features into the Gold Maple Leaf:
- ✓Radial lines: Precise lines machined into the coin's background
- ✓Micro-engraved maple leaf: Tiny privy mark with year visible under magnification
- ✓Bullion DNA: Digital non-destructive activation technology for verification
Note: These security features help distinguish genuine Royal Canadian Mint coins from counterfeits and support authentication.
IRA Eligibility Considerations
Canadian Gold Maple Leaf coins qualify for inclusion in a Precious Metals IRA (Self-Directed IRA). Key considerations:
- ✓.9999 purity exceeds the IRS minimum .995 fineness requirement
- ✓Produced by a recognized national mint (Royal Canadian Mint)
- ✓Must be held by an IRS-approved custodian and depository
- ✓Cannot be stored at home for IRA purposes
Note: This is general information, not tax or investment advice. Consult a qualified tax professional or IRA custodian for guidance specific to your situation.
Understanding Premium Drivers
Gold Maple Leaf coins trade at a premium above the spot price of gold. Factors that influence premiums include:
Minting Costs
Royal Canadian Mint production, quality control, and security feature implementation.
Dealer Margins
Wholesale and retail markups that fund dealer operations and distribution.
Supply & Demand
Mint production capacity versus investor demand for physical gold.
Market Conditions
Economic uncertainty and safe-haven demand can increase premiums.
Product Recognition
The Gold Maple Leaf's global recognition supports competitive spreads and liquidity.
View current Gold Maple Leaf pricing at Monex
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purity of the Canadian Gold Maple Leaf?
The Canadian Gold Maple Leaf is .9999 fine gold (24-karat). This means it is 99.99% pure gold with no alloy metals added. This makes it one of the purest gold bullion coins available worldwide.
How much gold is in a 1 oz Gold Maple Leaf?
The 1 oz Canadian Gold Maple Leaf contains exactly 1.0000 troy ounce (31.1035 grams) of fine gold. Unlike alloyed coins such as the American Gold Eagle, the Maple Leaf's weight equals its pure gold content.
Is the Gold Maple Leaf legal tender?
Yes. The Canadian Gold Maple Leaf carries a $50 CAD face value and is official Canadian legal tender, backed by the Canadian government. The intrinsic gold value significantly exceeds the face value.
Can I hold Gold Maple Leaf coins in an IRA?
Yes. Canadian Gold Maple Leaf coins meet IRS requirements for Precious Metals IRAs because their .9999 purity exceeds the minimum .995 fineness standard. Coins must be held by an approved custodian in an approved depository.
Why does the Gold Maple Leaf have a premium over spot price?
Premiums cover Royal Canadian Mint production costs, distribution, and dealer margins. They also reflect the coin's legal tender status and global recognition. Gold Maple Leaf premiums are typically 2-4% over spot.
How does the Gold Maple Leaf compare to the American Gold Eagle?
The Gold Maple Leaf is .9999 fine (24-karat) while the Gold Eagle is .9167 fine (22-karat). Both contain 1 troy ounce of gold. The Maple Leaf is pure gold and slightly softer; the Eagle has an alloy that adds durability. Both are IRA-eligible.
What security features does the Gold Maple Leaf have?
Since 2013, Gold Maple Leaf coins include radial lines and a micro-engraved maple leaf privy mark visible under magnification. These security features help authenticate genuine Royal Canadian Mint coins.
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