Learn About the History of the Royal Canadian Mint
In 1858, the first cents intended for circulation in the province of Canada were struck at The Royal Mint in London. As Canada developed as a nation, the demand for coinage increased. After 11 years of planning, The Royal Mint was authorized to build a branch in Ottawa in 1901. On January 2, 1908, during a brief ceremony, Governor-General Lord Grey and his wife, Lady Grey, officially opened the Ottawa branch of The Royal Mint by starting the presses.
During the Great Depression, the Ottawa Mint negotiated independence from the British Royal Mint. In 1931, it was renamed the Royal Canadian Mint (RCM) and began reporting solely to the Department of Finance. Although the Royal Mint continued to provide master tools for creating punches and dies, the RCM operated under exclusively Canadian control.
In 1979, the Royal Canadian Mint building in Ottawa was designated a National Historic Site of Canada. The building is a prime example of the federal government’s use of the Tudor Gothic architectural style to give Canada’s capital a distinctive character. It also symbolizes the transition of Canadian currency control from British to Canadian hands. Today, the Ottawa facility is responsible for producing a variety of products, including collector and commemorative coins, bullion coins and bars, and medals and medallions.
The Gold Maple Leaf, first introduced by the Royal Canadian Mint in 1979, has become one of the most recognized and sought-after gold bullion coins in the world. As one of the first gold coins to be minted in .999 pure gold, it set a new standard for bullion quality and purity. Over the years, the Gold Maple Leaf has maintained its status as a symbol of excellence, renowned for its stunning design, featuring the iconic maple leaf on the reverse and the likeness of Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse. Its popularity extends globally, with investors and collectors alike valuing it not only for its purity and craftsmanship but also for its status as a reliable store of wealth. The Royal Canadian Mint has continually innovated the Gold Maple Leaf series, introducing security features such as radial lines and micro-engraving, further solidifying its reputation as a premier choice for those seeking both beauty and security in their gold investments.
Among these bullion coins, the Canadian Silver Maple Leaf stands out as particularly noteworthy. The Silver Maple Leaf, the official silver bullion coin of Canada, has become one of the most popular silver coins in the world. First minted in 1988 and struck every year since, Silver Maple Leaf coins contain a full ounce of .9999 fine silver.
Since its debut, the Royal Canadian Mint has issued special releases of this iconic coin, including proof versions, various privy marks, security enhancements, and commemorative variations. Despite these changes, the core design of the Silver Maple Leaf coin has remained consistent. The obverse features a likeness of Queen Elizabeth II, while the reverse showcases the signature maple leaf, a symbol closely associated with Canadian patriotism and pride. Like other silver coins from the Royal Canadian Mint, Silver Maple Leafs are renowned for their meticulous design and attention to detail.
APMEX is proud to offer an extensive selection of products from the Royal Canadian Mint, known for its exceptional craftsmanship and innovation in coin design. The Mint’s assortment includes a wide variety of collector and commemorative coins, bullion coins, bars, and medals, all crafted with meticulous attention to detail. Among the most renowned offerings are the iconic Canadian Maple Leaf series, available in gold, silver, platinum, and palladium, each celebrated for its purity and design. Whether you’re a collector seeking unique commemorative pieces or an investor looking for high-quality bullion, the Royal Canadian Mint provides a diverse range of products that embody Canadian heritage and excellence.
