The Canadian maple leaf first appeared in 1979, struck in 1 ounce of .9999 pure gold. It was intended to compete with the South African Krugerrand, which was the first gold coin minted as a collector’s coin. At the time, it was estimated that 3/4 of the world’s gold coins were Krugerrands. That would soon change.

Nearly a decade later, in 1988, the first Canadian maple leaf was struck in silver. In a few short years, Canada’s national coin was the most popular and recognized coin in the world.  Widely regarded as one of the most beautiful coins, the Canadian Maple Leaf has remained unchanged for over 40 years.

The featured 2018 Canadian Maple Leaf 30-year anniversary tribute 2-coin set is absolutely remarkable and favored by collectors and coin enthusiasts around the globe. The set includes two proof-struck 1 oz silver Maple Leaf coins, one of which is reverse proof.

The 2018 Canadian Maple Leaf was the first to feature the popular laser-engraved maple burst background.  Both sides of the coin are laser engraved with a repeating pattern of micro-sized maple leaves with the number 30. This gives a holographic effect with a slight tilt of the coin.

2018 was also the first year to feature the Mint shield technology that is now applied to all Maple Leafs. The Royal Canadian Mint created the technology to help reduce spotting (milk spots), which was an ongoing problem on Canadian maple leaves.

The featured 2018 Canadian 30-year anniversary 2-coin set is absolutely remarkable with a mintage of only 5,000 sets.  Both coins are pristine in their original capsules and housed in the RCM’s clamshell display box.  A numbered certificate of authenticity is also included.