Platinum Maple Leaf
The Platinum Maple Leaf is a highly sought-after platinum bullion coin produced by the Royal Canadian Mint (RCM). First introduced in 1988, the Platinum Maple Leaf is part of the broader Maple Leaf series, which also includes gold, silver, and palladium versions. It is known for its high purity, intricate design, and global recognition.
Key Features of the Platinum Maple Leaf:
1. Design:
- Obverse (Front):
- The obverse features a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II. Over the years, various portraits of the Queen have been used, with the current one designed by Susanna Blunt. It also includes the face value and the year of issue.
- Reverse (Back):
- The reverse displays a detailed engraving of a maple leaf, Canada’s national symbol, which is also featured on the gold, silver, and palladium Maple Leaf coins. The reverse also includes inscriptions denoting the coin’s purity and platinum content.
2. Purity and Composition:
- Purity: The Platinum Maple Leaf is struck from 99.95% pure platinum (0.9995 fineness), which is the industry standard for platinum bullion coins.
- Weight: The most common size of the Platinum Maple Leaf is 1 troy ounce (31.1035 grams) of platinum.
- Face Value: The 1 oz Platinum Maple Leaf has a face value of 50 Canadian dollars (CAD), but its market value is determined by the price of platinum.
3. Sizes Available:
- While the 1 oz coin is the standard and most popular size, fractional sizes have also been issued in some years. These include:
- 1/2 oz
- 1/4 oz
- 1/10 oz
- 1/20 oz
4. Security Features:
The Royal Canadian Mint incorporates advanced security features into the Platinum Maple Leaf to protect against counterfeiting: - **Radial Lines:** The coin’s background features precise radial lines that create a light-diffracting pattern, making it difficult for counterfeiters to reproduce. - **Micro-engraved Maple Leaf:** A small maple leaf security mark is laser-engraved on the reverse of the coin, and inside this mark is the year of issue, visible only under magnification.
5. Investment Appeal:
- Purity and Value: The Platinum Maple Leaf is recognized globally for its high purity (99.95%) and is highly liquid, making it easy to trade or sell.
- Tax Advantages: In certain jurisdictions, the Platinum Maple Leaf may be exempt from taxes, making it an attractive option for investors looking to hold physical platinum in a tax-efficient manner.
- Portfolio Diversification: Platinum is a rare precious metal, and the Platinum Maple Leaf offers a reliable way for investors to diversify their portfolios with platinum exposure.
6. Limited Edition and Special Versions:
- From time to time, the Royal Canadian Mint releases special editions of the Platinum Maple Leaf, such as proof versions or coins with unique finishes, aimed at collectors.
Summary of Key Features:
Characteristic | Details |
————————– | —————————————————————— |
Introduced | 1988 |
Purity | 99.95% pure platinum (0.9995 fineness) |
Weight | 1 troy ounce (31.1035 grams), fractional sizes available |
Face Value | 50 CAD |
Design (Obverse) | Portrait of Queen Elizabeth II |
Design (Reverse) | Maple Leaf, Canada’s national symbol |
Security Features | Radial lines, micro-engraved maple leaf |
Conclusion:
The Platinum Maple Leaf is one of the most prestigious platinum bullion coins in the world, known for its high purity, iconic design, and cutting-edge security features. It is a popular choice for investors seeking exposure to platinum, as well as collectors looking for high-quality coins from a trusted mint. Whether for investment or collection, the Platinum Maple Leaf offers both beauty and tangible value in the precious metals market.