If you have a Canadian Gold Maple Leaf, you may be holding one of the most recognizable pure gold bullion coins in the world.

The Canadian Gold Maple Leaf, often called simply the Gold Maple Leaf or GML, has been produced by the Royal Canadian Mint since 1979. Modern standard bullion versions are made from 99.99% pure gold, commonly written as .9999 fine gold.

A standard 1-ounce Gold Maple Leaf contains one troy ounce of pure gold, so its value is closely tied to the current gold price—but that is not always the whole story.

The coin’s year, size, condition, type, authenticity and current market demand can also affect what someone is willing to pay for it.

If you already own one and are considering selling it, Gold Kings evaluates gold coins and bullion at both our Snellville and Commerce, Georgia locations. You can also learn more about gold coins and bullion before deciding what to do with your coin.

Quick Answer: What Is a Canadian Gold Maple Leaf?

The Canadian Gold Maple Leaf is an investment-grade gold bullion coin produced by the Royal Canadian Mint.

The original Gold Maple Leaf debuted in 1979. It was initially produced in .999 fine gold, and in 1982 the Mint introduced a .9999-pure version, making it the world’s first 99.99% pure gold bullion coin.

Today, the familiar 1-ounce bullion version is:

Specification	1 oz Gold Maple Leaf
Gold purity	99.99%
Fineness	.9999
Gold weight	1 troy ounce
Metric weight	About 31.11 grams
Diameter	30 mm
Face value	$50 CAD
Edge	Serrated
Mint	Royal Canadian Mint

The Royal Canadian Mint also produces fractional Gold Maple Leafs, including 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, 1/10 oz and 1/20 oz coins.

The important point is that the Canadian dollar amount stamped on the coin is not its actual bullion value.

A 1-ounce Gold Maple Leaf may say $50, but the gold inside it is worth many times that amount.

How Pure Is a Canadian Gold Maple Leaf?

Most modern standard Gold Maple Leaf bullion coins are .9999 fine gold, meaning they are at least 99.99% pure gold.

That is essentially 24K gold.

If you are familiar with jewelry markings such as 10K, 14K or 18K, the difference is substantial:

• 10K gold is approximately 41.7% gold.
• 14K gold is approximately 58.5% gold.
• 18K gold is 75% gold.
• A .9999 Gold Maple Leaf is 99.99% gold.

This is one reason Gold Maple Leafs have a noticeably different appearance and feel from coins made with harder gold alloys.

Pure gold is relatively soft.

That means scratches, contact marks and small surface imperfections can occur more easily than on alloyed gold coins.

If you want to understand fine-gold markings in more detail, see our guide to what .999 means on gold.

Are All Canadian Gold Maple Leafs .9999 Pure?

No.

This is an important detail when identifying older coins.

The Gold Maple Leaf was introduced in 1979 as a .999 fine gold coin. In 1982, the Royal Canadian Mint raised the standard to .9999 fine gold.

There have also been special Gold Maple Leaf issues made to even higher purity standards.

For example, the Mint has produced select .99999 fine, or 99.999% pure, Gold Maple Leaf products.

These special issues should not automatically be treated as ordinary one-ounce bullion coins because their mintage, packaging, design or collector market may differ.

Before selling an unusual Gold Maple Leaf, identify exactly which version you have.

Canadian Gold Maple Leaf Sizes

You do not necessarily have a full ounce just because your coin looks like a Gold Maple Leaf.

Modern bullion Gold Maple Leafs are available in several sizes.

Size	Approx. Weight	Diameter	Face Value
1 oz	31.11 g	30 mm	$50 CAD
1/2 oz	15.55 g	25 mm	$20 CAD
1/4 oz	7.77 g	20 mm	$10 CAD
1/10 oz	3.11 g	16 mm	$5 CAD
1/20 oz	1.55 g	14.1 mm	$1 CAD

These current specifications are published by the Royal Canadian Mint.

Fractional Gold Maple Leafs contain less gold, so their underlying bullion values are proportionately lower than the 1-ounce version.

However, smaller bullion coins can sometimes carry a higher premium per ounce because of manufacturing costs and market demand.

How Much Is a Canadian Gold Maple Leaf Worth?

For a standard bullion Gold Maple Leaf, start with the amount of pure gold it contains.

For a 1-ounce coin:

1 troy ounce of gold × current gold spot price = approximate underlying gold value

If gold were trading at $4,000 per troy ounce, for example, the underlying gold in a standard 1-ounce Gold Maple Leaf would be approximately $4,000.

That does not automatically mean every dealer would buy or sell the coin for exactly $4,000.

Physical bullion trades around spot price with premiums and spreads.

Your actual Gold Maple Leaf value can depend on:

Current Gold Price

Gold trades throughout the day, so the underlying bullion value of your coin moves with the market.

You can review Gold Kings’ gold and silver price information when researching your coin.

Size

A 1-ounce Maple Leaf contains substantially more gold than a 1/10-ounce or 1/20-ounce coin.

Always confirm the weight printed on the coin.

Authenticity

A buyer must determine that the coin is genuine before purchasing it as investment gold.

Year and Type

Most standard Maple Leafs are primarily bullion products.

Certain special editions, commemorative versions, limited-mintage coins or unusual varieties may deserve additional evaluation.

Condition

Ordinary bullion coins generally depend much more on gold content than perfect cosmetic condition.

But condition may become more important when a particular coin has collector value.

Current Market Premium

Recognizable government-issued bullion coins can trade at premiums above their raw melt value.

Those premiums change according to supply and demand.

This is also why the price someone originally paid for the coin is not necessarily the price they will receive when selling it.

For a broader comparison, read Gold Coins vs. Gold Bars: What’s the Difference?.

Is a Gold Maple Leaf Worth More Than Melt Value?

It can be.

The melt value represents the market value of the actual gold inside the coin.

But a Gold Maple Leaf is a recognizable government-minted bullion product.

Depending on the market, buyers may place an additional premium on recognizable bullion compared with generic scrap gold.

Certain Maple Leafs may also have additional collector interest because of:

• Year
• Special design
• Limited mintage
• Privy marks
• Proof or reverse-proof finish
• Special packaging
• Historical importance
• Unusual purity
• Condition

This is why you should not automatically treat every Gold Maple Leaf as nothing more than scrap gold.

Determine exactly what you own first.

Why Does a 1-Ounce Gold Maple Leaf Say $50?

The $50 CAD denomination is the coin’s legal-tender face value, not the market value of its gold.

For current 1-ounce Gold Maple Leafs, the Royal Canadian Mint lists:

Face value: $50 CAD

Gold content: 1 troy ounce

Purity: 99.99%

The bullion value of the gold is therefore normally far greater than $50.

Think of the face value as part of the coin’s official government-issued denomination—not a price tag.

Do not sell a genuine one-ounce Gold Maple Leaf for $50 simply because that number appears on the coin.

What Is on a Canadian Gold Maple Leaf?

The reverse of the Gold Maple Leaf features its famous sugar maple leaf design.

The design dates to the original 1979 Gold Maple Leaf and was created by Royal Canadian Mint Master Engraver Walter Ott.

You will normally also see inscriptions identifying:

CANADA

FINE GOLD

OR PUR

9999 on modern standard bullion pieces

and the coin’s gold weight.

The obverse displays the reigning Canadian monarch.

Older Maple Leafs therefore feature Queen Elizabeth II, while current coins feature King Charles III.

For 2026 Gold Maple Leafs, the Royal Canadian Mint uses the King Charles III effigy by Canadian artist Steven Rosati.

That means a Queen Elizabeth II portrait does not mean your Gold Maple Leaf is outdated or fake.

It may simply be an earlier issue.

How Can You Tell if a Canadian Gold Maple Leaf Is Real?

Do not rely on appearance alone.

Gold bullion is valuable enough that counterfeit coins exist.

A proper evaluation may consider several characteristics together.

Weight

A modern one-ounce Gold Maple Leaf should weigh approximately 31.11 grams.

A meaningful weight discrepancy is a warning sign.

Diameter

The standard modern one-ounce coin measures approximately 30 mm across.

Purity and Markings

Modern standard bullion versions should display .9999 purity markings consistent with Royal Canadian Mint specifications.

Edge

Modern standard one-ounce Maple Leafs have a serrated edge.

Detailed Design

Poor lettering, incorrect spacing, soft details or an inaccurate maple leaf can indicate a counterfeit.

Modern Security Features

Newer Gold Maple Leafs include sophisticated security elements.

The Royal Canadian Mint introduced a micro-engraved maple leaf security mark in 2013. The tiny numeral inside the mark identifies the coin’s year.

Modern coins also use precision-cut radial lines.

Bullion DNA technology is used by the Mint to support authentication of Gold Maple Leaf coins dated 2014 and later.

These features make modern Maple Leafs considerably more sophisticated than a simple stamped gold disk.

Can XRF Test a Gold Maple Leaf?

XRF testing can be useful when evaluating precious metals because it identifies the elemental composition of the tested surface without damaging the item.

At Gold Kings, we use professional testing methods, including XRF where appropriate, when evaluating gold and other precious-metal items.

However, bullion authentication should not depend blindly on one test.

With coins and bars, an evaluation may also consider:

• Exact weight
• Dimensions
• Design
• Mint specifications
• Security features
• Surface composition
• Magnetic response where appropriate
• Known counterfeit characteristics

The goal is not simply to see a number on a machine.

The goal is to establish what the item actually is.

Should You Clean a Canadian Gold Maple Leaf?

Generally, no.

If your Maple Leaf has fingerprints, spots or light scratches, resist the urge to polish it.

Cleaning a coin can alter its original surfaces.

That may not significantly change the intrinsic gold content of an ordinary bullion coin, but it can hurt the desirability of a coin that carries a collector premium.

If you are unsure whether your Maple Leaf is ordinary bullion or something more unusual, have it identified before cleaning it.

Is a Canadian Gold Maple Leaf a Good Gold Coin?

The Gold Maple Leaf has several characteristics that have made it internationally recognizable:

High purity. Modern standard versions contain 99.99% pure gold.

Government mint. They are produced by the Royal Canadian Mint.

Multiple sizes. Investors can own full-ounce or fractional versions.

Recognizable design. The maple leaf design has been used since 1979.

Security features. Modern coins incorporate radial lines, micro-engraving and Bullion DNA technology.

Long history. Gold Maple Leafs have been produced for more than four decades.

According to the Royal Canadian Mint, more than 25 million troy ounces have been sold since the Gold Maple Leaf was introduced.

Recognition can matter when it comes time to sell physical bullion.

Where Can I Sell a Canadian Gold Maple Leaf Near Me?

If you are selling a Gold Maple Leaf, look for a buyer who understands bullion coins, not simply someone who buys scrap jewelry.

A Gold Maple Leaf should be evaluated according to what it actually is.

Before accepting an offer, you should understand:

What size is the coin?

Is it genuine?

How much pure gold does it contain?

What is the current spot price?

Does that specific Maple Leaf currently carry a premium?

How was the offer calculated?

Gold Kings purchases and evaluates qualifying gold coins, bullion and other precious metals.

You can have your coin examined and weighed so you have a clearer understanding of what you own before deciding whether to sell it.

Sell Canadian Gold Maple Leafs at Gold Kings of Snellville

For customers in Gwinnett County and surrounding communities, visit Gold Kings of Snellville.

Gold Kings of Snellville
3635 Stone Mountain Hwy
Snellville, GA 30039
770-771-4650

The Snellville location evaluates gold coins, bullion, gold jewelry, silver and other qualifying precious metals.

Gold and silver items are tested and weighed transparently so you can understand the evaluation.

If you have several Gold Maple Leafs, other foreign bullion coins, American Gold Eagles, gold bars or a mixed precious-metal collection, you can bring the items together for evaluation.

Sell Canadian Gold Maple Leafs at Gold Kings of Commerce

For Commerce, Banks Crossing and Northeast Georgia, visit Gold Kings of Commerce.

Gold Kings of Commerce
480 Banks Crossing Dr
Commerce, GA 30529
706-336-0043

The Commerce location evaluates gold coins and bullion along with jewelry, silver and other qualifying precious-metal items.

If you inherited a collection or simply found a Gold Maple Leaf that you are not familiar with, you do not have to determine its value yourself before coming in.

We can help identify what you have and explain the factors affecting its value.

Before You Sell a Canadian Gold Maple Leaf

There are five things you should know before accepting an offer:

1. Confirm the size.
Do not confuse a fractional Maple Leaf with a full one-ounce coin.

2. Confirm the coin is genuine.
Appearance alone is not enough.

3. Check the current gold price.
Gold values move throughout the trading day.

4. Determine whether a premium applies.
A recognized bullion coin should not automatically be treated exactly like scrap jewelry.

5. Understand the offer.
Ask how the buyer arrived at the price.

That information puts you in a much better position to decide whether selling makes sense.

Frequently Asked Questions About Canadian Gold Maple Leafs

How much gold is in a Canadian Gold Maple Leaf?

A standard 1-ounce modern Gold Maple Leaf contains one troy ounce of gold and is 99.99% pure. Fractional versions contain smaller amounts, including 1/2, 1/4, 1/10 and 1/20 troy ounce.

Is a Canadian Gold Maple Leaf 24K?

Modern .9999 fine Gold Maple Leafs are essentially 24K pure gold.

How many grams is a 1 oz Gold Maple Leaf?

A current standard one-ounce Gold Maple Leaf weighs approximately 31.11 grams.

What does 9999 mean on a Canadian Gold Maple Leaf?

The 9999 marking indicates the coin is 99.99% pure gold.

Is a $50 Canadian Gold Maple Leaf really worth only $50?

No. The $50 figure is its Canadian legal-tender face value. Its bullion value is based primarily on the one troy ounce of gold it contains and the current gold market.

Are old Gold Maple Leafs valuable?

They can be. Most are primarily valued as gold bullion, but certain years, varieties, proofs, special issues and limited-mintage coins may deserve additional consideration.

Should I remove a Gold Maple Leaf from its packaging?

Not necessarily. Original Mint packaging or specialty packaging may be useful for identification and can matter more for certain premium or collectible versions.

Does damage make a Gold Maple Leaf worthless?

No. A genuine Gold Maple Leaf still contains gold even if it has scratches or marks. However, condition may affect any premium above basic bullion value.

Can Gold Kings test a Canadian Gold Maple Leaf?

Gold Kings evaluates qualifying gold coins and bullion using professional testing and authentication methods appropriate to the item. The coin’s weight, specifications, purity and other characteristics can all be considered during evaluation.

Does Gold Kings buy foreign gold coins?

Yes. Gold Kings evaluates many U.S. and international gold coins and bullion products. See what Gold Kings buys for additional information.

Where can I sell a Canadian Gold Maple Leaf in Georgia?

Gold Kings evaluates gold coins and bullion at our Snellville location in Gwinnett County and our Commerce location serving Commerce, Banks Crossing and Northeast Georgia.

Have a Canadian Gold Maple Leaf? Know What It Is Before You Sell It

A Canadian Gold Maple Leaf may look simple, but several details determine what you actually own.

The size tells you how much gold is present.

The purity identifies the fineness.

The year helps identify the version.

Security features help establish authenticity.

And the current gold market establishes the starting point for its bullion value.

If you have a Gold Maple Leaf—or a collection of gold coins and bullion—you can bring it to Gold Kings of Snellville or Gold Kings of Commerce for evaluation.

We can examine the coin, verify its characteristics, weigh it and explain how its value is being determined before you decide whether you want to sell.

Learn more about Gold Kings of Snellville, visit Gold Kings of Commerce, or review our complete Gold Coins & Bullion Guide.

Know what you own. Know what it contains. Then decide whether selling makes sense.