Canadian Silver Maple Leaf

1988-Present • Canada • $5 CAD

About This Coin

The Canadian Silver Maple Leaf is one of the purest silver bullion coins available at 99.99% silver. It features Queen Elizabeth II (or King Charles III) on the obverse and the iconic Canadian maple leaf on the reverse.

Specifications

Composition

99.99% pure silver

Weight

31.103 grams (1 troy ounce)

Diameter

38 mm

Edge

Reeded

Designer

Royal Canadian Mint artists

Mintage

Varies by year (millions produced)

Estimated Values by Condition

Condition	Estimated Value
Poor (P)	Silver spot + $3-4
Good (G)	Silver spot + $3-4
Fine (F)	Silver spot + $4-5
Very Fine (VF)	Silver spot + $5-6
Extremely Fine (EF/XF)	Silver spot + $6-8
Uncirculated (MS)	Silver spot + $8-12

* Values are estimates based on market data and may vary significantly based on specific condition, mint mark, and market demand.

Identification Tips

Look for ".9999 FINE SILVER 1 OZ ARGENT PUR" on the reverse with a single maple leaf. Modern coins (2014+) have radial lines and a micro-engraved maple leaf with laser-etched privy mark. The obverse shows the reigning monarch with "ELIZABETH II" or "CHARLES III" and "$5 DOLLARS" face value.

Historical Context

Introduced in 1988, the Silver Maple Leaf followed the success of the Gold Maple Leaf. It was one of the first .9999 pure silver bullion coins, setting a new standard for purity. The Royal Canadian Mint added security features in 2014-2015 to combat counterfeiting, including radial lines and micro-engraving. The design transitioned from Queen Elizabeth II to King Charles III in 2023.

Notable Varieties

Standard bullion
Reverse Proof
Colored editions
Privy mark editions
Wildlife series
Special anniversary editions

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Silver Maple Leafs better than American Silver Eagles?

Silver Maple Leafs are slightly purer (.9999 vs .999) and typically carry lower premiums over spot price, making them excellent for investors focused on silver content. American Silver Eagles have higher collectability and U.S. government backing. Both are excellent choices depending on priorities.

What are the security features on modern Silver Maple Leafs?

2014+ coins have radial lines that are difficult to replicate. 2015+ have a micro-engraved maple leaf with a laser-etched privy mark showing the year. These features help verify authenticity and prevent counterfeiting.