Canadian Silver Maple Leaf Specifications
Technical details and investor-facing facts for the Canadian Silver Maple Leaf, the world's purest silver bullion coin.
Technical Specifications
| Purity | .9999 fine silver (99.99% pure) |
| Silver Content | 1.0000 troy ounce (31.1035 grams) |
| Gross Weight | 31.1035 grams |
| Diameter | 38.00 mm |
| Thickness | 3.29 mm |
| Face Value | $5 CAD |
| Issuing Mint | Royal Canadian Mint |
| Edge | Reeded |
| First Issued | 1988 |
| IRA Eligible | Yes |
The .9999 Purity Standard
At .9999 fineness, the Canadian Silver Maple Leaf is the purest silver bullion coin available, containing 99.99% pure silver with virtually no alloy metals.
- •Highest purity available: Exceeds all other major silver bullion coins
- •IRS compliance: Exceeds the .999 minimum fineness for Precious Metals IRAs
- •Royal Canadian Mint guarantee: Weight and purity backed by the Canadian government
- •Simple valuation: Silver content equals coin weight, making spot price calculations straightforward
Learn more about Canadian Silver Maple Leaf coins at Monex Canadian Silver Maple Leaf
Legal Tender Status
The Canadian Silver Maple Leaf carries legal tender status in Canada with a $5 CAD face value. This Royal Canadian Mint government backing provides:
Authenticity Assurance
Produced by the Royal Canadian Mint with strict quality controls and advanced anti-counterfeiting measures.
Government Guarantee
Weight and purity backed by the Canadian government.
Market Recognition
Widely recognized and accepted by dealers worldwide, supporting strong liquidity.
IRA Eligibility
Legal tender status is one requirement for Precious Metals IRA inclusion.
Advanced Security Features
The Royal Canadian Mint has pioneered security technology for bullion coins. Modern Canadian Silver Maple Leafs include:
Radial Lines
Precise micro-engraved lines radiate from the maple leaf center, creating a unique light-diffraction pattern difficult to replicate.
Laser-Engraved Privy Mark
A tiny laser-engraved maple leaf contains the last two digits of the year, visible only under magnification.
Bullion DNA Technology
Digital non-destructive activation technology records each coin's unique security features for dealer verification.
IRA Eligibility Considerations
Canadian Silver Maple Leaf coins are ideal for Precious Metals IRAs (Self-Directed IRAs). Key considerations:
- ✓Exceeds IRS purity requirement (.9999 vs .999 minimum)
- ✓Produced by the Royal Canadian Mint (approved government mint)
- ✓Must be held by an IRS-approved custodian and depository
- ✓Cannot be stored at home for IRA purposes
Note: This is general information, not tax or investment advice. Consult a qualified tax professional or IRA custodian for guidance specific to your situation.
Understanding Premium Drivers
Canadian Silver Maple Leaf coins trade at a premium above the spot price of silver. Factors that influence premiums include:
Minting Costs
Royal Canadian Mint production to .9999 purity standard, advanced security features, and quality control.
Dealer Margins
Wholesale and retail markups that fund dealer operations.
Supply & Demand
Mint production capacity versus investor demand for physical silver.
Market Conditions
Economic uncertainty, inflation concerns, and safe-haven demand can increase premiums.
Product Recognition
Royal Canadian Mint guarantee and global recognition support competitive spreads.
View current Canadian Silver Maple Leaf pricing at Monex Silver Maple Leaf Prices
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purity of the Canadian Silver Maple Leaf?
The Canadian Silver Maple Leaf is .9999 fine silver, meaning it contains 99.99% pure silver. This is the highest purity available for silver bullion coins, exceeding the .999 (99.9%) purity of American Silver Eagles and British Britannias.
How much silver is in a Canadian Silver Maple Leaf?
Each Canadian Silver Maple Leaf contains exactly 1.0000 troy ounce (31.1035 grams) of pure silver. The coin's gross weight equals its silver content because of the .9999 purity with virtually no alloy metals.
Are Canadian Silver Maple Leaf coins legal tender?
Yes, Canadian Silver Maple Leaf coins carry legal tender status in Canada with a face value of $5 CAD. This government backing by the Royal Canadian Mint provides authenticity assurance and supports worldwide recognition.
Can I hold Canadian Silver Maple Leaf coins in an IRA?
Yes, Canadian Silver Maple Leaf coins meet IRS requirements for inclusion in a Precious Metals IRA. The .9999 purity exceeds the IRS minimum .999 fineness requirement. You will need a qualified custodian and approved depository to hold IRA-owned coins.
Why do Canadian Silver Maple Leaf coins have a premium over spot price?
Premiums reflect Royal Canadian Mint production costs, dealer margins, and supply/demand dynamics. Premiums account for mint production costs, advanced security features, distribution, the coin's legal tender status, and its recognition as a trusted government-minted product.
What security features do Canadian Silver Maple Leaf coins have?
Modern Canadian Silver Maple Leafs include advanced security features: micro-engraved radial lines radiating from the center, a laser-engraved maple leaf privy mark with the year (visible under magnification), and Bullion DNA technology for dealer verification.
How does the Canadian Silver Maple Leaf compare to other silver coins?
The Canadian Silver Maple Leaf offers the highest purity at .9999 fine, compared to .999 for American Silver Eagles and British Britannias. All contain 1 troy ounce of silver and are IRA-eligible. The Maple Leaf often has competitive or lower premiums while offering superior purity and advanced security features.
Related pages