The Royal Canadian Mint introduced the Maple Leaf series of bullion coins in 1979. Made of 99.99% pure gold, Gold Maple Leaf coins come in five sizes ranging from 1 oz. to 1/20 oz. The Royal Canadian Mint was the first world mint to commercially produce 99.99% pure gold coins. This innovation gave the Gold Maple Leaf instant recognition when it was introduced to the bullion coin market years ago, and it remains the most well recognized and sought after bullion coin in the market today. For circulating coins pure gold would be too soft to be sufficiently durable, but that is not a big disadvantage for bullion coins. The Maple Leafs though are easily scratched and require care when handling. Scratched, dropped or dinged Maple Leafs with rim nicks can be discounted when resold. Pure old though has a beautiful colour and being of higher density, also has a higher quality feel.

14k & 22k Commemorative Canadian Gold Coins

The Royal Canadian Mint also issues 14k and 22k gold coins with a $100 or $200 denomination. These commemorative coins contain a 1/4 or 1/2 troy ounces of pure gold though the denominations do not always correspond. They were first minted in 1976 commemorating the Montreal Olympics, and have since been minted yearly celebrating various Canadian themes and historical events.

Early Canadian Gold Coins

Canada started minting gold coins in 1912 - though current provinces of New Foundland and British Columbia were minting their own gold coins before joining the Dominion of Canada. Gold coins were issued in $5/$10/Sovereign denomination and are much rarer than the more recent bullion issues.

Canadian Gold Coin Auctions

Standard Catalog of World Gold Coins by Chester L. Krause.
This edition is the first revision of the Standard Catalog of World Gold Coins since 1993, and represents seven years of effort and worldwide research by the experienced Krause cataloging staff and the expertise of over 200 dealers, scholars and collectors. No other volume is as comprehensive, accurate or thorough in depicting all collectible aspects of gold coins. This 1,100+ page, hardcover volume covers gold coins, date-by-date, from 1601 to present, plus palladium, platinum and off-metal sister issues. Complete date/mint listings, actual weights, current values in up to four grades of condition, coupled with crisp obverse and reverse photos help make this extraordinary volume the most-anticipated coin collecting price guide in a decade.