2004 Canada 5-Coin Silver Maple Leaf Set (RCM Privy)

The Canadian 1 oz Silver Maple Leaf coin was first minted in 1988 following the success of the Canadian Gold Maple Leaf that launched in 1979. Issued annually, this bullion coin is made from .9999 fine Silver, making it one of the finest bullion coins in the world. Although the Royal Canadian Mint produces other Silver bullion coins, the Silver Maple Leaf is by the far the most popular among collectors and investors alike.

Before the birth of the Royal Canadian Mint, every coin that was in circulation in Canada had to be produced at the Royal Mint in London or at the private Heaton Mint in Birmingham, England. So, in 1890, the Royal Canadian Mint was proposed and 18 years later on January 2, 1908 Canadian Governor General Lord Earl Gray struck the first domestically produced coin in Ottawa. Since then, the Royal Canadian Mint has been known for its exceptional quality, sophistication and innovation.

The Silver Maple Leaf has undergone some changes in its design, but overall, the main elements of this iconic Silver coin have remained the same. The obverse of the coin features the profile of Queen Elizabeth II while the reverse displays a maple leaf, an image closely associated with Canadian pride and nationalism. In 2014, a micro-engraved, textured maple leaf featuring the year of issue and a radial-line background were added to ensure the authenticity of the Canadian Silver Maple Leaf. In addition to the added security, these features also add to the beauty of each individual coin, as each pattern of radial lines is unique and creates a specific light-diffracting pattern.