About the Canadian 1oz silver Maple Leaf
The Canadian Silver Maple Leaf was first issued by the Royal Canadian Mint in 1988, making it one of the earliest modern silver bullion coins. From the outset, it was struck in .9999 fine silver - a purity that remains exceptional to this day, and higher than most comparable bullion coins including the Silver Britannia (.999) and the American Silver Eagle (.999). This four-nines standard has made the Silver Maple Leaf a benchmark coin for silver investors around the world.
The reverse of the coin features a highly detailed sugar maple leaf, the national symbol of Canada. The obverse has carried successive royal portraits over the years - from the Arnold Machin effigy used in the early issues, through to more recent portraits of Queen Elizabeth II, and from 2024 onwards, King Charles III. Collectors often seek out specific portrait years, which can add a numismatic dimension to what is primarily an investment coin.
In 2014, the Royal Canadian Mint introduced a significant upgrade to the Silver Maple Leaf's security features. Each coin now carries a micro-engraved maple leaf privy mark - the year changes annually - combined with radial lines across both faces. These radial lines make it significantly harder to produce convincing counterfeits, and also help authenticate coins quickly and accurately during testing.
Silver Maples are typically sold in tubes of 25 coins, with larger quantities packaged in monster boxes containing 500 coins (20 tubes). We're happy to receive coins in any packaging - tubes, capsules, or loose - and will handle them carefully throughout the valuation process.
One important distinction to be aware of when selling Silver Maple Leaf coins in the UK: unlike the Silver Britannia or Gold Sovereign, Silver Maples are not UK legal tender and are therefore not exempt from Capital Gains Tax. If you hold a large quantity and CGT is a consideration, it's worth speaking to a tax adviser before selling.
Whether your coins are from the early issues of the 1990s or the latest Royal Canadian Mint releases, we assess each one accurately and offer a fair price based on the live silver market. From single coins to bulk lots, you'll receive the same transparent, same-day service Gold Traders is known for.
Buy Canadian Silver Maple Leaf Coins
As well as buying Silver Maple Leaf coins, Gold Traders also sells pre-owned 1oz Silver Canadian Maples at competitive prices. Our best value mixed-date coins are sold on the VAT margin scheme, making them an excellent choice for investors looking to add silver to their portfolio at low premiums. Browse our pre-owned Silver Maple Leaf coins here.
