The Canadian Platinum Maple Leaf Series is a special release from the Royal Canadian Mint. Unlike its gold and silver companions, this series has experienced periods of both steady production and long pauses. First introduced in 1988 with the Silver Maple Leaf, coins were minted every year through 1999. The following decade saw fewer issues. Right now, 1996 1 oz Canadian Platinum Maple Leaf Coins are available from BGASC.

Highlights:

• Arrives in a protective plastic flip!
• 9th release of 1 oz Platinum Maple Leafs!
• Final mintage of 62,273 coins!
• Contains 1 troy oz of .9995 pure platinum.
• Bears a face value of $50 (CAD) backed by the federal government of Canada.
• The obverse features Queen Elizabeth II.
• On the reverse is the sugar maple leaf.

Every 1996 1 oz Canadian Platinum Maple Leaf Coin comes in a protective plastic flip. Among the coins minted from 1988 to 1999, the 1996 issue achieved the highest mintage, reaching 62,273 pieces. This total stands more than 22,000 coins above the 1992 issue, which had the next highest mintage.

Obverse

On the obverse of the 1996 Canadian Platinum Maple Leaf is the right-profile portrait of Queen Elizabeth II. She appears wearing the George IV State Diadem along with a simple necklace. This portrait represents the third Canadian coin depiction of the Queen and the first created by a Canadian artist, Dora de Pedery-Hunt.

Reverse

The reverse side displays the sugar maple leaf in detail. Walter Ott designed this image in 1979 for the Gold Maple Leaf, and it has remained the defining feature of all Maple Leaf bullion coins since then, including silver, platinum, and palladium versions.

History

The reverse design highlights the sugar maple leaf, a key national symbol. The leaf became connected to Canada as early as the 18th century when French settlers recognized its usefulness and cultural importance. Indigenous communities had long used maple sap for food and trade, linking their traditions to later European influence.

Ordering

For questions or assistance, BGASC customer service is available at 888-992-4272, online through our web chat, and by email.